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

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

"Many of us aren't speaking about Mitch McConnell's condition because we know nothing about his condition," Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X.

From Barron's • Jul. 7, 2026

The composer needed a vocalist capable not just of singing clearly and authoritatively, but also of acting with apt gravity—at times speaking with instrumental backing and at others against silence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

Chronologically speaking, this is the first time in Elle’s life that her rosy outlook and zealous reverence for Cosmopolitan are powerless to melt the Seattle freeze.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2026

But speaking of visibility—even though so much of the handwringing around fertility rates has been about how women’s lives have changed in the past few decades, there’s a more obvious target.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2026

Part of me wants to tell him to leave me alone, but he may be the only person in the world still speaking to me.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila