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
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
Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 15 June 2025
Rob Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen speaks as people protest in Philadelphia as part of the No Kings Rallies at Love Park on June 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
The buying club talks to the player’s current club
While, according to the rules, clubs should agree a transfer fee before the team doing the buying ever speak to the player involved, in 2025, the official bid is normally the final part of the process.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Be there for them. — Steven Fischer, Itasca Brave men’s sacrifice
In looking at the footage of President Donald Trump recently speaking to the German chancellor regarding D-Day, nothing these last few months surprises me except the behaviors coming from the White House.
—Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
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 keeps things brief Trump spoke at the conclusion of the parade on Saturday, keeping remarks short and framing the event as a celebration of the country’s military successes.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 15 June 2025
Rob Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen speaks as people protest in Philadelphia as part of the No Kings Rallies at Love Park on June 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
The buying club talks to the player’s current club
While, according to the rules, clubs should agree a transfer fee before the team doing the buying ever speak to the player involved, in 2025, the official bid is normally the final part of the process.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Be there for them. — Steven Fischer, Itasca Brave men’s sacrifice
In looking at the footage of President Donald Trump recently speaking to the German chancellor regarding D-Day, nothing these last few months surprises me except the behaviors coming from the White House.
—Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for speak
Cite this Entry
“Speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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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