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

Derived Forms

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

In addition to teaching and writing, he enjoyed golfing, horseback riding, fighting City Hall over an environmental issue, volunteering in soup kitchens and speaking to youth organizations, according to his bio.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

When speaking to Salon, Thayil generously explained what colors he saw in Soundgarden’s “Jesus Christ Pose”: “The word ‘Jesus’ is orangish, with brownish and reddish tones.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

"I'm not afraid of speaking up when it's needed," she added.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

The trial previously heard an allegation by Complainant B that Lady Donaldson witnessed this particular incident but walked away without speaking.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Her voice trembled, as if speaking to Clare was costing her every bit of courage.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman