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.

---

verb (used without object)

dialogued, dialoguing

1. to carry on a dialogue; converse.

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

verb (used with object)

dialogued, dialoguing

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

---

verb

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

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

Other Word Forms

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

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

Ore-Giron said he was also drawn to the Art Deco style because of the international dialogue it represented.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Meloni said the meeting with Rubio was “a frank dialogue, between allies who defend their own national interests but who both know how precious Western unity is.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

AI-generated videos of Rana and the female banker proliferated on X and Instagram, bringing to life scenarios and dialogue from the lawsuit.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The Vatican strategy was to try to keep open a channel for dialogue with Washington while giving a moral response on key issues.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Ben said, anxious to begin a dialogue again.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

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