spoken

1 of 2

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən 

1

: delivered by word of mouth : oral

2

: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner

—used in combination

soft-spoken

plainspoken

spoken

2 of 2

past participle of speak

Synonyms of spoken

Adjective

• oral
• verbal

Examples of spoken in a Sentence

Adjective

a spoken agreement is too easily broken

a politician who knows the power of the spoken word

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The spoken word, poetry, and dancing feel seamless because everyone is telling the same story. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2026

Despite its fragmented markets and myriad of cultures and spoken languages, Asia is becoming an increasingly popular home for budding tech and AI entrepreneurs, according to Magnus Grimeland, the founder and CEO of venture capital firm Antler. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

Speaking Practice, Not Just Flashcards An AI tutor runs 20 minutes of spoken conversation practice a month, across about five practice scenes. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

The figure most responsible for this was Robert Katzman, a reserved, soft-spoken neurologist who chaired the department at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

past participle of speak

First Known Use

Adjective

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spoken

• be spoken for
• fair-spoken
• free-spoken
• short-spoken
• softly-spoken
• soft-spoken
• well-spoken

Rhymes for spoken

• broken
• oaken
• token
• woken
• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• outspoken
• unbroken
• unspoken

Kids Definition

spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən 

1

: given by or using speech

a spoken message

the spoken language

2

: speaking in a specified manner

soft-spoken

plainspoken