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 death.—
Sy Kahn
Sy Kahn
b
: to use such an expression
—often used in the phrase so to speak
… was at the enemy's gates, so to speak.—C. S. Forester
C. S. Forester
c
: to serve as spokesperson
3
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 spoke.—George Meredith
George Meredith6
a
: testify
b
: to be indicative or suggestive
… his gold … spoke of riches in the land …—Julian Dana
Julian Dana1
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
see also to speak of
ˌspēk
—used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon
Californiaspeak
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
Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, a 33-year-old man, who told them that his was shot in the left leg.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Either way, an 8-9 team is going to represent the NFC South, which doesn’t speak well of this division.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026
On the red carpet outside the historic Howard Theatre — where Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, James Brown (whom Boseman portrayed in Get On Up in 2014) and Aretha Franklin once performed — Coogler spoke with HBCU press and took selfies with filmmakers.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speak
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Rodríguez on Saturday, and suggested his administration is willing to work with her to facilitate a transition to a new, post-Maduro government.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, a 33-year-old man, who told them that his was shot in the left leg.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Either way, an 8-9 team is going to represent the NFC South, which doesn’t speak well of this division.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026
On the red carpet outside the historic Howard Theatre — where Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, James Brown (whom Boseman portrayed in Get On Up in 2014) and Aretha Franklin once performed — Coogler spoke with HBCU press and took selfies with filmmakers.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speak
Cite this Entry
“Speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
speak
verb1
: 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
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