pep talk

noun

: a usually brief, intense, and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience

Examples of pep talk in a Sentence

The coach gave the team a pep talk before the game. She needs a pep talk.
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.
After Daniel's tough-love pep talk helped Johnny triumph over Sensei Wolf (Lewis Tan) in the tournament final, the former rivals moved into a new phase of their relationship as karate collaborators — with Cobra Kai students also learning the art of defense at Miyagi-Do. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025 On Friday, workers riding a cherry-picker removed the signage outside of U.S. AID at the precise spot where Schatz had delivered his pep talk. Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025 At the end of Thiago’s pep talk, Nunez put his arm around the Brazilian and kissed him on the forehead. Stuart James, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025 Known for giving motivational pep talks to young rappers, and the Internet in general, through his social media platforms and his Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast with his cousin Gillie, the Philly native wrote a lengthy caption addressing the two Dipset members. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pep talk 

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pep talk was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near pep talk

Cite this Entry

“Pep talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pep%20talk. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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