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

“This has been planned for a long time,” said Frank McKenzie, the former top U.S. commander in the Middle East, speaking about the use of missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal

If Wagner’s job seems to require an unusual combination of skills—mastery of fluid dynamics, comfort with public speaking, strong pint tolerance—he comes by them honestly.

From The Wall Street Journal

And from then on she threw herself more forcefully than ever into writing, speaking, forming clubs, and launching projects.

From Literature

He said that Uncle Manfred and Aunt Lotti had decided we were no longer welcome in their house, and that we wouldn’t be seeing them or speaking to them ever again.

From Literature

Mullin is known on Capitol Hill for not holding back, a style of speaking that some describe as combative.

From BBC