talking head
Americannoun
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Television Slang. a closeup picture of a person who is talking, especially as a participant in a talk show.
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Slang. a person whose talk is empty and pretentious.
noun
Etymology
Origin of talking head
First recorded in 1965–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
And unlike talking head interviews typical of reality TV, his “confessional” interstitials come in the form of stand-up comedy performances in which he openly admits his flaws, while making the audience laugh.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2024
“At best we’re saying we don’t know,” says the talking head.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
