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

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

Throughout the album, for spoken and sung elements alike, there is appropriately lean backing from notably skilled musicians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

But like many survivors the BBC has spoken to, Penny is sceptical and worries there will be no accountability for those who didn't protect children like her.

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

He loosened his cravat as if that would help him speak what she did not want spoken.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton