spoken

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

Synonyms

• nuncupative
• oral
• unwritten
• verbal
• viva voce
• word-of-mouth

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

But Monet also injected some of that positive, punchy energy through transitions between chapter breaks with more poetic group shots and visual art with spoken word, stand-up, and speeches by Black women underneath. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024

Legendary horror actor Vincent Price performed the spoken word portion of the song. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024

By adopting a spoken word format, Lillard highlights his roots and illustrates how his life on the court parallels his work in the studio, each realm informing the other in discipline and expression. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024

Transcription, turning spoken words into text, might seem simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. —Beth Worthy, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

past participle of speak

First Known Use

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

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