volubility

[ vol-yuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality of being talkative, wordy, or glib:

   Look at the very volubility of his sentences—everything and the kitchen sink pushed together in breathless rushes of prose.

Other Words From

• non·vol·u·bil·i·ty non·vol·u·ble·ness noun
• un·vol·u·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of volubility¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin volūbilitās, from volūbil(is) ( voluble ( def ) ) + -tās -ty ²( def )

Example Sentences

The television critic Tom Shales began his 1978 essay with a pitch-perfect impression of his subject, capturing the melodrama, punchy cadence and flamboyant volubility of the most famous sportscaster of his era.

From New York Times

He displays a rapid-fire volubility when telling his kids a bedtime story at the movie’s opening.

From New York Times

Her response to Jordan was notable not just for the way she shut him down but for her volubility.

From Los Angeles Times

Kaluuya, who previously starred in “Get Out,” is the stolid, solid center of the picture while Palmer overshadows him with her lively volubility.

From Seattle Times

But Miss Bates soon came—“Very happy and obliged”—but Emma’s conscience told her that there was not the same cheerful volubility as before—less ease of look and manner.

From Literature

Related Words

• expressiveness
• fervor
• fluency
• passion
• poise
• vigor
• wit