voluble

[ vol-yuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. characterized by a ready and continuous flow of words; fluent; glib; talkative:

   a voluble spokesman for the cause.

   Synonyms: loquacious, garrulous, articulate

   Antonyms: taciturn

voluble

/ ˈvɒljʊbəl /

adjective

1. talking easily, readily, and at length; fluent
2. archaic.
   easily turning or rotating, as on an axis
3. rare.
   (of a plant) twining or twisting

Derived Forms

• ˈvolubly, adverb
• ˌvoluˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• vol·u·bil·i·ty [vol-y, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], vol·u·ble·ness noun
• vol·u·bly adverb
• non·vol·u·ble adjective
• non·vol·u·bly adverb
• un·vol·u·ble adjective
• un·vol·u·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of voluble¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin volūbilis “that turns easily, flowing,” equivalent to volū-, base of volvere “to turn” + -bilis -ble; revolve ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of voluble¹

C16: from Latin volūbilis turning readily, fluent, from volvere to turn

Synonym Study

See fluent.

Example Sentences

A president has wide authority to impose tariffs, and Trump has been so voluble about his love for the trade barriers that they appear inevitable.

From Los Angeles Times

Once he was in the courtroom, however, Trump was considerably less voluble, whispering to his lawyers, staring ahead and generally seeming unhappy to be there.

From New York Times

Their members were a diverse collective that included Rumi, a voluble drama student from Los Angeles.

From New York Times

Lou, conversely, was the toast of the town: an institution-building entrepreneur and voluble drinking buddy known for wearing loud turtlenecks, cracking ribald jokes and eating like a barn animal.

From New York Times

But even while just watching the proceedings, the voluble ex-president and current Republican front-runner hasn’t checked his contempt for the case.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• chatty
• loquacious