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.
Kelly Merkner had a sweet pep talk with her granddaughter before the start of the Malden annual Labor Day Parade on Monday. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025 Thanks to Cole's motivating pep talk and Isaac's game-winning touchdown, the team pulls off a win and secures a spot in the playoffs. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 It can be built slowly in conversations at the dinner table, in sideline pep talks, and in watching someone live out their purpose day after day. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025 Lady Gaga received a heartfelt pep talk from her fiancé, Michael Polansky, ahead of her Mayhem Ball tour stop in New York City. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 24 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pep talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pep%20talk. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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