voluble

adjective

vol·​u·​ble ˈväl-yə-bəl 

1

: easily rolling or turning : rotating

2

: characterized by ready or rapid speech : glib, fluent

volubility

ˌväl-yə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

volubleness

ˈväl-yə-bəl-nəs 

noun

volubly

ˈväl-yə-blē 

adverb

Did you know?

Voluble traces back to Latin volvere, meaning "to set in a circular course" or "to cause to roll." English rolled with that meaning, using voluble as an adjective to describe things easily rolling, changing, or turning, and later added the meaning of Latin volūbilis, which implies readily flowing speech. Today, voluble most often describes an individual who speaks easily and often.

Choose the Right Synonym for voluble

talkative, loquacious, garrulous, voluble mean given to talk or talking.

talkative may imply a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation.

a talkative neighbor

loquacious suggests the power of expressing oneself articulately, fluently, or glibly.

a loquacious spokesperson

garrulous implies prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity.

garrulous traveling companions

voluble suggests a free, easy, and unending loquacity.

a voluble raconteur

Examples of voluble in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the response from the industry to the 2024 reports and their full-throated call for adaptation in parallel with mitigation has been, if not muted, then less than voluble. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

And in Times Square, where a dense orchestra of honking horns, idling motors, chattering tourists, and voluble vendors can push sound levels north of 90 decibels, the song’s unmistakable tinny beat and pogoing piano loop manage to cut through the din. —Max Cea, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024

The peanut gallery is infinitely more critical and voluble in 2024. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019

In Tuesday night's presidential debate, while former President Donald Trump delivered voluble answers often looking and sounding angry, Vice President Harris’ face was doing a lot of work. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English volible, voluble "able to turn, changing," borrowed from Latin volūbilis "turning on its axis, rolling, flowing, (of speech) readily flowing, fluent," from volū-, variant stem of volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at wallow entry 1, -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

voluble

adjective

vol·​u·​ble ˈväl-yə-bəl 

: having a smooth and fast flow of words in speaking

volubility

ˌväl-yə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

volubly

ˈväl-yə-blē 

adverb