talking head

American  

noun

1. Television Slang. a closeup picture of a person who is talking, especially as a participant in a talk show.

2. Slang. a person whose talk is empty and pretentious.

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talking head British  

noun

1. (on television) a person, such as a newscaster, who is shown only from the shoulders up, and speaks without the use of any illustrative material

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Etymology

Origin of talking head

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Now, as a World Cup talking head, Ibrahimovic plans to be the one doing the educating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Weiss insisted Alfonsi’s story needed more reporting and remarks from a talking head from the White House.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026

Whereas Part Two opens with Reubens Face Timing Wolf and asking if he can pose questions to the talking head interviewees.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2025

Seacrest is a benign countenance, almost by design, an apolitical figure who rarely offers the audience much in the way of personal details, even in his role as pop culture talking head.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2024

“At best we’re saying we don’t know,” says the talking head.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• commentator
• newscaster