talk

¹talk

verb \ˈtȯk\

Definition of TALK

transitive verb

1

: to deliver or express in speech : utter

2

: to make the subject of conversation or discourse : discuss <talk business>

3

: to influence, affect, or cause by talking <talked them into going>

4

: to use (a language) for conversing or communicating : speak

intransitive verb

1

a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words b : to convey information or communicate in any way (as with signs or sounds) <can make a trumpet talk> <make the computer talk to the printer>

2

: to use speech : speak

3

a : to speak idly : prate b : gossip c : to reveal secret or confidential information

4

: to give a talk : lecture

— talk·er noun

— talk back

: to answer impertinently

— talk sense

: to voice rational, logical, or sensible thoughts

— talk through one's hat

: to voice irrational, illogical, or erroneous ideas

— talk turkey

: to speak frankly or bluntly

Examples of TALK

1. She never talks at the meetings.
2. He did most of the talking during dinner.
3. He loves to hear himself talk.
4. I think she's talking a lot of nonsense.
5. I can't talk right now. I'm running late.
6. They were talking in Spanish.
7. We talked on the phone until midnight.
8. Both sides in the dispute are now willing to talk.
9. They are in the conference room talking business.
10. She had laryngitis and couldn't talk.

Origin of TALK

Middle English; akin to Old English talu tale

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TALK

Synonyms: declaim, descant, discourse, expatiate, harangue, lecture, orate, speak, hold forth, take the floor

Related Words: recite, soliloquize; dissert, expound, pontificate, sermonize; mouth, spout; filibuster

Near Antonyms: stifle, suppress

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with TALK

auk, balk, calk, caulk, chalk, gawk, hawk, Koch, Sauk, squawk, stalk, walk