bespeak

verb

be·​speak bi-ˈspēk How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bē-
bespoke bi-ˈspōk How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bē-
; bespoken bi-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bē-
; bespeaking

transitive verb

1
: to hire, engage, or claim beforehand
2
: to speak to especially with formality : address
3
: request
bespeak a favor
4
a
: indicate, signify
her performance bespeaks considerable practice
b
: to show beforehand : foretell

Examples of bespeak in a Sentence

Her newest album bespeaks a great talent for writing songs. bespoke the rental car weeks in advance of their trip
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.
At the same time, the overwhelming result at least bespeaks equality of access to reproductive-health technology in those countries. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 Slideshow: Meet the Robots of Fukushima Daiichi Back at Yoshida’s lab, where modest bunk beds bespeak the dedication of his students, the team is currently working on a new and improved survey bot named Sakura. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Feb. 2014 Strange and complicated rhythm structures and overheated harmonies, along with mystic bird calls in the piano all bespeak the magic of his young love. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 As of now, the only thing that won’t be bespoke is the bodywork, though that could be a choice in the future, according to the publication. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bespeak

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bespeak was in 1533

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Cite this Entry

“Bespeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bespeak. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bespeak

verb
be·​speak bi-ˈspēk How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bespoke -ˈspōk How to pronounce bespeak (audio) ; bespoken -ˈspō-kən How to pronounce bespeak (audio) ; bespeaking
1
: to ask or arrange for in advance
2
: to make plain : show
her performance bespeaks much practice

More from Merriam-Webster on bespeak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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