spoken

American  

[spoh-kuhn] / ˈspoʊ kən /

verb

1. a past participle of speak.

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adjective

1. uttered or expressed by speaking; speaking; oral (written ).

   the spoken word.

2. speaking, speaking, or using speech, as specified (usually used in combination).

   fair-spoken; plain-spoken; soft-spoken.

spoken British  

/ ˈspəʊkən /

verb

1. the past participle of speak

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adjective

1. uttered through the medium of speech Compare written

2. (in combination) having speech as specified

   soft-spoken

3. engaged, reserved, or allocated

Etymology

Origin of spoken

First recorded in 1570–80, for the adjective

Example Sentences

Throughout the album, for spoken and sung elements alike, there is appropriately lean backing from notably skilled musicians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The relationship between England and the counties has come under scrutiny following this winter's Ashes defeat and England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Rob Key has spoken about wanting to improve relations.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

In fact, the word “Trump” was spoken only once during the entire hearing—at the very start, when Roberts announced the caption of the case, Trump v.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

But like many survivors the BBC has spoken to, Penny is sceptical and worries there will be no accountability for those who didn't protect children like her.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

She’d spoken to them every day since the move.

From "I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980" by Lauren Tarshis