1
: delivered by word of mouth : oral
2
: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner
—used in combination
soft-spoken
plainspoken
Examples of spoken in a Sentence
a spoken agreement is too easily broken
a politician who knows the power of the spoken word
Recent Examples on the Web
The addition of spoken word passages by local Geordie poet Cooper Robson, who drifts through balladic descriptions of community, working-class masculinity, and pickled onions, aids Knats in their explorations of their hometown.
—
Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
The film disrobes Wintour’s mythos by peeling back that which surrounds Miranda, who bears the editor’s same chilly, soft-spoken tenor whether exhilarated or furious.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Radio stations slowly developed their own news style, with journalists producing bulletins designed for the spoken word, including current affairs programs and talk programs to deal with local issues or issues of national concern.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
The two-day lineup is packed with dance, music, improv, theater, and spoken-word performances as well as a film showcase.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spoken
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Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
The film disrobes Wintour’s mythos by peeling back that which surrounds Miranda, who bears the editor’s same chilly, soft-spoken tenor whether exhilarated or furious.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Radio stations slowly developed their own news style, with journalists producing bulletins designed for the spoken word, including current affairs programs and talk programs to deal with local issues or issues of national concern.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
The two-day lineup is packed with dance, music, improv, theater, and spoken-word performances as well as a film showcase.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spoken
Cite this Entry
“Spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoken. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spoken
adjective
spo·ken
ˈspō-kən 
1
: given by or using speech
a spoken message
the spoken language
2
: speaking in a specified manner
soft-spoken
plainspoken
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