dialogue

American  

[dahy-uh-lawg, -log] / ˈdaɪ əˌlɔg, -ˌlɒg /

Or dialog

noun

1. conversation between two or more persons.

2. the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.

3. an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.

4. a literary work in the form of a conversation.

   a dialogue of Plato.

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verb (used without object)

dialogued, dialoguing

1. to carry on a dialogue; converse.

2. to discuss areas of disagreement frankly in order to resolve them.

verb (used with object)

dialogued, dialoguing

1. to put into the form of a dialogue.

dialogue British  

/ ˈdaɪəˌlɒɡ, ˌdaɪəˈlɒdʒɪk /

noun

1. conversation between two or more people

2. an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion

3. the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction

4. a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work

5. a literary composition in the form of a dialogue

6. a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups

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verb

1. (tr) to put into the form of a dialogue

2. (intr) to take part in a dialogue; converse

Other Word Forms

• dialogic adjective
• dialoguer noun
• self-dialog noun
• self-dialogue noun
• underdialogue noun

Etymology

Origin of dialogue

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French dïalogue, Latin dialogus, from Greek diálogos; equivalent to dia- + -logue

Explanation

If you land a role in a local play, you will probably have to memorize several lines of dialogue. If you disagree with how that play is being produced, you may want to open up a dialogue with the director. Dialogue can refer to spoken lines in a dramatic performance such as a play, a film, or a television show. It is also any conversation between two or more people. On the written page, dialogue between characters is usually enclosed by quotation marks. When persons representing different political parties or different nations are said to engage in a dialogue, it means they are probably negotiating something of importance.

Example Sentences

Oshkosh, based in Wisconsin, entered a dialogue with the Pentagon in November following Hegseth’s call for companies to boost production, said Logan Jones, chief growth officer for the company’s transport segment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

John Boorman’s bold, unnerving crime film “Point Blank” entombs its potent emotions within opaque performances, stripped-down dialogue and a cool-to-the-touch visual style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Pakistan, which hosted the weekend's failed talks, has said it hopes to continue facilitating dialogue and has called on both sides to honour the fragile two-week ceasefire.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged all sides to uphold the fragile ceasefire and said they would continue their efforts to encourage dialogue - sentiments being echoed in other concerned capitals.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Everyone in scenes with her is off because she is either skipping chunks of dialogue or speaking them without conviction.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Related Words

• communication
• conference
• conversation
• discourse
• discussion
• exchange