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.
Existing anger or frustration — for example, during a small confrontation — will only be exacerbated if a partner adds further emotional charge to the conversation. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 This priceless reaction demonstrated how cats recognize and understand their owner's voice when the conversation is directed to them. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 China joined the second set of conversations in September. Daily Briefing, AZCentral.com, 22 Aug. 2025 The city had been informed about the intent for the National Guard to be armed, a person familiar with the conversations said earlier this week. Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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

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