Showing results for "speaking"

• present participle of speak.

speaking

American  

[spee-king] / ˈspi kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, utterance, or discourse of a person who speaks.

2. speakings, literary works composed for recitation, as ancient bardic poetry; oral literature.

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adjective

1. that speaks.

2. used in, suited to, or involving speaking or talking.

   the speaking voice.

3. of or relating to declamation.

4. giving information as if by speech.

   a speaking proof of a thing.

5. highly expressive.

   speaking eyes.

6. lifelike.

   a speaking likeness.

idioms

1. not on speaking terms, not or no longer in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication, as because of resentment or estrangement.

   They had a squabble during the holidays, and now they're not on speaking terms.

2. on speaking terms,

   1. in a relationship close enough for or limited to friendly superficialities.

      I don't know the hosts well, but we are certainly on speaking terms.

   2. in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication.

      Now that the debt has been settled, I hope you and your partner are on speaking terms again.

speaking British  

/ ˈspiːkɪŋ /

adjective

1. (prenominal) eloquent, impressive, or striking

2. 1. able to speak

   2. (in combination) able to speak a particular language

      French-speaking

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Other Word Forms

• speakingness
  noun
• nonspeaking
  adjective
• well-speaking
  adjective
• speakingly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of speaking

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; see origin at speak, -ing ¹, -ing ²

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Explanation

Speaking is what we do when we talk to each other, either out loud or through sign language. Many classrooms have a rule that speaking is not allowed during quizzes and exams. In addition to the speaking we do to communicate feelings and ideas, there's also public speaking, when someone gives a speech in front of an audience. And if you're not on speaking terms with someone, it means that you're so angry with each other that you don't talk anymore.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

speaking

He went on and on, speaking to the ceiling, the floor, the saltshaker, to an invisible audience.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

"It was very cunning of her to hold her press conference" the day before, said a second European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

While he was unfamiliar with all the details of Zacharia’s career after graduation, Alford said that “generally speaking it would be unusual to say that you’re a lawyer if you’ve not passed the bar somewhere.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

He thinks there has been a change in culture, with more people speaking out about that kind of lifestyle, keeping the next generation out of trouble.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

And the only person I can ask for help isn’t speaking to me.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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