spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
Synonyms of spokennext
1
: delivered by word of mouth : oral
2
: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner
used in combination
soft-spoken
plainspoken

Examples of spoken in a Sentence

a spoken agreement is too easily broken a politician who knows the power of the spoken word
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From SoundCloud to city walls After a series of relocations and random jobs, the project that would become the Unapologetic Street Series finally began in New York in 2016, first as spoken-word experiments on SoundCloud, then as small black-and-white posters plastered onto city walls. Yamlek Mojica, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 Research is split on the best way to educate deaf kids — whether that be through listening and spoken language, ASL or a mix of both. Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026 This followed the 500th large-group interpretive dance number of the evening, featuring dozens of performers in polyurethane suits doing movement set to a spoken word about how war is, actually, bad. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026 Beyond poetry, this night evokes the Black tradition of oral history – passing down lessons, narratives and lived experiences through spoken word. Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoken

Word History

Etymology

past participle of speak

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoken was in 1560

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoken. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

spoken

adjective
spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
1
: given by or using speech
a spoken message
the spoken language
2
: speaking in a specified manner
soft-spoken
plainspoken

More from Merriam-Webster on spoken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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