conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
1
a(1)
: oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas
… we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed.Samuel Johnson
(2)
: an instance of such exchange : talk
a quiet conversation
b
: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups
conversations among the senators
c
: an exchange similar to conversation
We had a conversation by email.
2
obsolete : conduct, behavior
conversational adjective
conversationally adverb

Examples of conversation in a Sentence

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie? We got into a long conversation about his behavior. They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics. The topic came up in conversation. They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me. He kept trying to engage me in conversation. She's skilled in the art of conversation. an interesting topic of conversation We had a conversation by e-mail.
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 Calls tab will also keep a history of all previous conversations. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 One of the biggest wins for international ocean governance was the U.N. High Seas treaty passed in 2023, which was created to establish conversation goals across country lines. Devika Rao, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024 Up until now, the DC universe’s TV presence has been scattered all across the network and streaming landscape, from the Greg Berlanti–produced CW shows in the Arrowverse to Fox’s Gotham to Max’s animated Harley Quinn series — but almost entirely excluded from the TV-awards conversation. Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 As his questioning crosses taboos and boundaries, raising Sister Barnes’ hackles, cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung’s camera, which has been cutting between various degrees of close-up as the conversation progresses, breaks free from stasis. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conversation 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conversacioun, from Anglo-French conversacion, from Latin conversation-, conversatio, from conversari to associate with, frequentative of convertere to turn around

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near conversation

Cite this Entry

“Conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

conversation

noun
con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
: talking or a talk between two or more people
conversational
-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce conversation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
conversationally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conversation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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