conversation
Americannoun
-
-
informal interchange of thoughts, information, etc., by spoken words; oral communication between persons; talk.
how to master the art of conversation.
-
such interchange by sign language, email, or other nonoral means of communication.
I enjoy our time on the phone, but she prefers conversation by texting.
-
an instance of this.
I had a long phone conversation with my cousin in Florida.
-
-
an informal public exchange of ideas or opinions about a particular issue; a dialogue.
It’s time for a global conversation about the epidemic.
-
association or social intercourse.
a year's conversation with him as his caregiver and friend.
-
the ability to talk socially with others.
She writes well but has no conversation.
-
Obsolete.
-
behavior or manner of living.
-
close familiarity; intimate acquaintance, as from constant use or study.
-
noun
-
the interchange through speech of information, ideas, etc; spoken communication
-
to talk in an artificial way
Other Word Forms
- preconversation noun
Etymology
Origin of conversation
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English conversacio(u)n, from Latin conversātiōn- (stem of conversātiō ) “familiarity, conduct, behavior,” equivalent to conversāt(us), past participle of conversārī “to associate with” + -iōn- noun suffix; see origin at converse 1, -ion
Explanation
A conversation occurs when people talk to each other, like a conversation with your friend about school or professional basketball. The noun conversation comes from the Old French word of the same spelling, meaning "manner of conducting oneself in the world." When you have a conversation with another person or a group of people, you listen closely and respond appropriately, so that your conversation is a true exchange of ideas, not just people waiting for their turn to talk. A good conversation makes you feel heard, satisfied, and maybe even more informed.
Vocabulary lists containing conversation
The Language of the Test, List 3
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Frankenstein" and "How Frankenstein Began"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Speaking and Listening - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“These kinds of more social-oriented reality TV series get people invested in the character relationships in a way that encourages conversation on social media.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
Jackie Combs, a divorce attorney, said the prenup conversation often focuses on the wrong thing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
You can’t begin to have a conversation about affordability without talking about health.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
Listen to the entire conversation with Brendan Hunt on “Everything Fab Four” and subscribe via Spotify, Apple, Google or wherever you’re listening.
From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026
I search my brain for safe conversation topics.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
