Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

cross talk

American  
Or cross-talk,

noun

  1. interference heard on a telephone or radio because of unintentional coupling to another communication channel.

  2. incidental conversation; chatter, as opposed to formal discussion.

    The meeting was slowed by cross talk between board members.

  3. British. witty, fast-paced dialogue, especially in a play, comic act, etc.; repartee.


Etymology

Origin of cross talk

First recorded in 1885–90


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:

No group rules are stated; cross talk seems welcome.

From Slate ● May 10, 2026

Despite the frequent cross talk, the tone overall was rather cordial.

From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2025

The paper explains the mechanism of "cross talk" between two cellular pathways, one initiated by proteins known as growth factors and by their cellular receptors.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 4, 2024

There was so much cross talk and interrupting — by both governors — that it was impossible to hear what they were saying.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 30, 2023

The industry term for this is "cross talk."

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training