speak

1 of 2

verb

spoke ˈspōk How to pronounce speak (audio) ; spoken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce speak (audio) ; speaking

intransitive verb

1
a
: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk
b(1)
: to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally
(2)
: to extend a greeting
(3)
: to be friendly enough to engage in conversation
still were not speaking after the dispute
c(1)
: to express oneself before a group
(2)
: to address one's remarks
speak to the issue
2
a
: to make a written statement
his diaries … spoke … of his entrancement with deathSy Kahn
b
: to use such an expression
often used in the phrase so to speak
was at the enemy's gates, so to speakC. S. Forester
c
: to serve as spokesperson
3
a
: to express feelings by other than verbal means
actions speak louder than words
b
: signal
c
: to be interesting or attractive : appeal
great music … speaks directly to the emotionsA. N. Whitehead
4
: to make a request or claim
used with for
usually used in passive constructions
the seat was already spoken for
5
: to make a characteristic or natural sound
all at once the thunder spokeGeorge Meredith
6
a
b
: to be indicative or suggestive
his gold … spoke of riches in the landJulian Dana

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce
(2)
: to give a recitation of : declaim
b
: to express orally : declare
free to speak their minds
c
: address, accost
especially : hail entry 3
2
: to make known in writing : state
3
: to use or be able to use in speaking
speaks Spanish
4
: to indicate by other than verbal means
5
archaic : describe, depict
speakable adjective

-speak

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noun combining form

ˌspēk
used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon
Californiaspeak
Phrases
to speak of
: worthy of mention or notice
usually used in negative constructions
no progress to speak of

Examples of speak in a Sentence

Verb Have you two spoken since yesterday? She and I spoke this morning. He never speaks at the meetings. Without speaking, she walked from the room. They were speaking in Japanese. When I said you were my best friend, I was speaking sincerely. She must be speaking the truth. Not a word was spoken between them the whole time. He has laryngitis and can't speak. She speaks with a Southern accent.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Dettmer spoke to me about how the channel has evolved over the years, and the process of creating his very first video. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 There are five categories devoted to R&B nestled in the R&B, rap and spoken poetry field at the 67th annual Grammy Awards. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2024 Through the years, Grohl has spoken openly about parenthood and proudly introduced Violet to the stage during Foo Fighters' performance at Glastonbury Festival in June 2023. Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 The chance discovery of Kempe’s autobiography speaks to the rich trove of writing about medieval women that survives to this day, as well as the countless works that have been lost over the centuries, Jackson says. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for speak 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle

Noun combining form

newspeak

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of speak was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near speak

Cite this Entry

“Speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

speak

verb
spoke ˈspōk How to pronounce speak (audio) ; spoken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce speak (audio) ; speaking
1
: to utter words : talk
2
: to utter in words
speak the truth
3
: to mention in speech or writing
spoke of being ill
4
: to serve as spokesperson
spoke for the group
5
: to express feelings in ways other than by words
actions speak louder than words
6
: to use or be able to use in talking
speaks Spanish
speakable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on speak

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