spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
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.
The streaming giant is launching a new subtitle option on Thursday that allows the viewer to watch content with original language subtitles that show only the spoken dialogue without audio cues, according to a news release. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025 Burke, for instance, is among cardinals who believe Mass should only be conducted in Latin, not in common spoken languages, and opposes softening attitudes toward homosexuality or encouraging acceptance of gay people in Catholic life. Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 The test includes remembering a list of spoken words and listening to a list of random numbers and repeating them backward, among other questions. Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Kilmer published two books of poetry (including My Edens After Burns) and was nominated for a spoken word album Grammy in 2012 for The Mark of Zorro. Time, 3 Apr. 2025 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 29 Apr. 2025.

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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