dialogue

American  

[dahy-uh-lawg, -log] / ˈdaɪ əˌlɔg, -ˌlɒg /

Or dialog

noun

1. conversation between two or more persons.

2. the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.

3. an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.

4. a literary work in the form of a conversation.

   a dialogue of Plato.

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verb (used without object)

dialogues, present (3rd person singular) dialogued, past participle, past dialoguing present participle

1. to carry on a dialogue; converse.

2. to discuss areas of disagreement frankly in order to resolve them.

verb (used with object)

dialogues, present (3rd person singular) dialogued, past participle, past dialoguing present participle

1. to put into the form of a dialogue.

dialogue British  

/ ˈdaɪəˌlɒɡ, ˌdaɪəˈlɒdʒɪk /

noun

1. conversation between two or more people

2. an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion

3. the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction

4. a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work

5. a literary composition in the form of a dialogue

6. a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups

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verb

1. (tr) to put into the form of a dialogue

2. (intr) to take part in a dialogue; converse

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-dialogue
  noun
• dialogic
  adjective
• underdialogue
  noun
• dialoguer
  noun
• self-dialog
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has dialogued
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have been dialoguing
  perfect progressive
• have dialogued
  perfect
• has been dialoguing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are dialoguing
  progressive
• dialoguing
  participle
• is dialoguing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• am dialoguing
  progressive 1st person singular
• dialogues
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had dialogued
  perfect
• was dialoguing
  progressive singular
• dialogued
  participle
• had been dialoguing
  perfect progressive
• were dialoguing
  progressive plural
• dialogued
  simple

Future

• will dialogue
  simple
• will have dialogued
  perfect
• will have been dialoguing
  perfect progressive
• will be dialoguing
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of dialogue

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French dïalogue, Latin dialogus, from Greek diálogos; equivalent to dia- + -logue

Explanation

If you land a role in a local play, you will probably have to memorize several lines of dialogue. If you disagree with how that play is being produced, you may want to open up a dialogue with the director. Dialogue can refer to spoken lines in a dramatic performance such as a play, a film, or a television show. It is also any conversation between two or more people. On the written page, dialogue between characters is usually enclosed by quotation marks. When persons representing different political parties or different nations are said to engage in a dialogue, it means they are probably negotiating something of importance.

Example Sentences

The confidential process allows regulators and companies to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue about disclosures as they complete the so-called prospectus for the stock offering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

I don’t buy that any kid watching “Cars” wants a Lightning McQueen racecar because of Owen Wilson’s dry dialogue and tepid jokes.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Cepeda, who helped negotiate the 2016 peace deal and design Petro's "total peace" strategy, has vowed to prioritize dialogue and social upliftment in rebel-held areas.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Seoul is hoping Xi will play a mediator in this trip, nudging Pyongyang to resume dialogue with both Seoul and Washington.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The two boys again let it subside, then pick back up with their dialogue.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Related Words

• communication
• conference
• conversation
• discourse
• discussion
• exchange