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

Smith’s debut album was released on Arista Records on Nov. 10, 1975 and combined the singer’s urgent, vivid poetry with spiky, minimal arrangements that incorporated reggae rhythms with spoken word and propulsive rock energy. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025

Pupils are now studying the practice of the spoken word in preparation for the local contest to select pupils for the district contest in March. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

The late president's three previous Grammys were in the spoken word category, as well. —Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

When the comedian Tig Notaro appears — going onstage to introduce Gibson before what may be their last spoken word performance — her presence feels like a no-brainer. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025

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