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

"I don't think any child should get IPP because what you go through," he said, speaking for the first time since his release from prison last week.

From BBC

Wiener, speaking to reporters before Tuesday’s vote, said that his legislation would reform the law to ensure that federal officials are held accountable for wrongdoing.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ghanaian-American was hoping to make a statement about the visibility of people with disabilities, building on years of work in the US and here in Ghana of speaking out on the issue.

From BBC

"I think the difference is that he is more polished than Bovino. He is better at speaking to the press, and stakeholders," he added.

From BBC

According to a 2024 Springtide Research Institute poll of people 13 to 25, only 17% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they would stop speaking to someone who opposed their political views.

From The Wall Street Journal