conversation
Americannoun
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conversations
plural
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informal interchange of thoughts, information, etc., by spoken words; oral communication between persons; talk.
how to master the art of conversation.
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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.
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an instance of this.
I had a long phone conversation with my cousin in Florida.
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an informal public exchange of ideas or opinions about a particular issue; a dialogue.
It’s time for a global conversation about the epidemic.
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association or social intercourse.
a year's conversation with him as his caregiver and friend.
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the ability to talk socially with others.
She writes well but has no conversation.
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Obsolete.
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behavior or manner of living.
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close familiarity; intimate acquaintance, as from constant use or study.
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noun
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the interchange through speech of information, ideas, etc; spoken communication
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to talk in an artificial way
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
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"Frankenstein" and "How Frankenstein Began"
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Speaking and Listening - Introductory
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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.
See Examples For:
“If you’re in the middle of a very interesting conversation, it just breaks the flow,” said Bucquet, whose wife is less bothered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Light and likable, “Babies” is a strong step for Lauren Miller Rogen’s directing career and for a conversation that should be easier to have.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026
At issue is Earl Spencer's account of a conversation with the then Prince Charles after the death of Diana, with the prince accused of telling Earl Spencer: "We'll forget her soon enough."
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
I get it, but I would leave that out of the conversation.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026
I turn toward his door, which I don’t have to exit through because I never really entered, and I think our conversation is over.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
“This typically means more conversations with their banks,” Hunt said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
The evidence is Earl Spencer's own recollection of conversations about that emotional time around his sister's death, almost 30 years ago.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
This strategy has at times ruffled the board of directors, who have suggested the company narrow its focus, according to people with knowledge of the conversations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
Critics suggest companies like Palantir are using stylish merch "to get their name into a more positive conversations", as Clark puts it.
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026
I spotted the jeweler by his gaudy hat, Mara by her jade sash and the halted conversations of the men around her.
From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri
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.
