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; speak, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

After weeks of pressure from employees and customers, some business leaders are speaking out about the federal immigration crackdown that led to two deadly shootings in Minneapolis and have sparked protests around the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it’s not just artists who are speaking out.

From Salon

His family said he had been walking a 10-minute route home and police said he was speaking to a friend on the phone, arranging to meet near a certain tree in Trittiford Mill Park.

From BBC

“So speaking to tops, which had a really fantastic year … we expect that tailwind to continue,” she said.

From MarketWatch

“At this point, anything that could be done by typing, I do by speaking,” said the 32-year-old, founder of software agency Why Not Us.

From Los Angeles Times