speaking

American  

[spee-king] / ˈspi kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, utterance, or discourse of a person who speaks.

2. speakings, literary works composed for recitation, as ancient bardic poetry; oral literature.

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adjective

1. that speaks.

2. used in, suited to, or involving speaking or talking.

   the speaking voice.

3. of or relating to declamation.

4. giving information as if by speech.

   a speaking proof of a thing.

5. highly expressive.

   speaking eyes.

6. lifelike.

   a speaking likeness.

idioms

1. not on speaking terms, not or no longer in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication, as because of resentment or estrangement.

   They had a squabble during the holidays, and now they're not on speaking terms.

2. on speaking terms,

   1. in a relationship close enough for or limited to friendly superficialities.

      I don't know the hosts well, but we are certainly on speaking terms.

   2. in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication.

      Now that the debt has been settled, I hope you and your partner are on speaking terms again.

speaking British  

/ ˈspiːkɪŋ /

adjective

1. (prenominal) eloquent, impressive, or striking

2. 1. able to speak

   2. (in combination) able to speak a particular language

      French-speaking

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Other Word Forms

• nonspeaking adjective
• speakingly adverb
• speakingness noun
• well-speaking adjective

Etymology

Origin of speaking

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; see origin at speak, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Explanation

Speaking is what we do when we talk to each other, either out loud or through sign language. Many classrooms have a rule that speaking is not allowed during quizzes and exams. In addition to the speaking we do to communicate feelings and ideas, there's also public speaking, when someone gives a speech in front of an audience. And if you're not on speaking terms with someone, it means that you're so angry with each other that you don't talk anymore.

Example Sentences

Though instead of speaking to thousands of young people to motivate them into getting involved, the crowd featured mostly older people.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

"And if they say they're calling from the bank, call 159 and you can be sure you're speaking to your bank," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

King Felipe VI made the remarks while speaking with Mexico’s ambassador to Spain, Quirino Ordaz, during a visit to a museum exhibition in Madrid about the role of women in pre-Columbian Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

And speaking to CNN, Kennedy noted, “I cannot listen to myself on TV.”

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

He found his wife convinced that she was speaking to an invisible presence from beyond the grave.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock