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

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

Etymology

Origin of speaking

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

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

Speaking with one supporter on Saturday, he said the city needs to “make sure all the laws are being enforced.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Speaking to reporters on Friday en route to Washington, Trump said on arms sales: "I'll make a determination over the next fairly short period of time."

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Speaking among the ruins of Gaza, a Fatah activist, Samah al-Rawagh – who is joining the conference via video link – told the BBC that change was possible.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Speaking to the BBC afterwards, Bettan said he had been surprised by the protests.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

“You’re breathing, so you have to keep going, even when it doesn’t feel like you’re still alive. Speaking of which, care to accompany me down to Washington Park?”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros