spoken

American  

[spoh-kuhn] / ˈspoʊ kən /

verb

1. a past participle of speak.

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adjective

1. uttered or expressed by speaking; speaking; oral (written ).

   the spoken word.

2. speaking, speaking, or using speech, as specified (usually used in combination).

   fair-spoken; plain-spoken; soft-spoken.

spoken British  

/ ˈspəʊkən /

verb

1. the past participle of speak

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adjective

1. uttered through the medium of speech Compare written

2. (in combination) having speech as specified

   soft-spoken

3. engaged, reserved, or allocated

Etymology

Origin of spoken

First recorded in 1570–80, for the adjective

Example Sentences

I’ll just note that writer-director Kristoffer Borgli has misplaced hopes for the comic value of his unusual, even extreme, idea for how a single spoken sentence might endanger a relationship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

In the case of the title track, he’s come up with a melody for the poem and a vocal attack that impressively splits the difference between the spoken and the sung.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

However, given the glowing terms chief executive has previously spoken about Howe, who he called a "special" manager in December, it was not exactly a resounding show of faith.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Buffett said he hasn’t met or spoken with Gates since the files were released.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

She moved so quietly, he might not have realized that she was inches from him if she hadn’t spoken.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny