talking head

American  

noun

1. Television Slang. a closeup picture of a person who is talking, especially as a participant in a talk show.

2. Slang. a person whose talk is empty and pretentious.

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talking head British  

noun

1. (on television) a person, such as a newscaster, who is shown only from the shoulders up, and speaks without the use of any illustrative material

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Etymology

Origin of talking head

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Now, as a World Cup talking head, Ibrahimovic plans to be the one doing the educating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Simultaneously, Platner has emerged as a routine talking head on the broader liberal podcast circuit.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Instead, upper management sent a talking head who gave a two-hour motivational speech outlining the seven new corporate principles that the company’s executives cooked up during their recent weeklong “retreat” in Aruba.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2025

Bolling became a familiar cable talking head through his work on Fox News.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

“At best we’re saying we don’t know,” says the talking head.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• commentator
• newscaster