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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

talking head

The film, directed by Douglas Tirola, is assembled from various archival materials; the only talking head belongs to Bernstein himself.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

Simultaneously, Platner has emerged as a routine talking head on the broader liberal podcast circuit.

From Slate ● Apr. 13, 2026

As one talking head in the documentary notes, multiple perspectives are necessary in any complicated conversation.

From Salon ● Jul. 2, 2025

“I don’t know what that comes in the form of. A talking head for the conference itself?”

From Seattle Times ● May 14, 2024

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

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

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Related Words

• commentator
• newscaster

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