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

Notably, every spoken word in the game is taken directly from Shakespeare’s original text, preserving the rhythms and musicality of the language while adapting the structure to fit an interactive format. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025

In 2016, Smart earned a Grammy nomination for best spoken word album after narrating Patience and Sarah. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025

Its vocal cords vibrate hundreds of times per second with every spoken word. —Kent Dunlap, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025

While Manson’s final spoken words before his death are unknown, the cult killer participated in interviews with author and television producer James Buddy Day throughout the last year of his life. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 Mar. 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

Rhymes for spoken

• broken
• oaken
• token
• woken
• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• outspoken
• unbroken
• unspoken

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