speaking

[ spee-king ]

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.

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.

speaking

/ ˈspiːkɪŋ /

adjective

1. prenominal eloquent, impressive, or striking
2. 1. able to speak
   2. in combination able to speak a particular language

      French-speaking

Other Words From

• speaking·ly adverb
• speaking·ness noun
• non·speaking adjective
• well-speaking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speaking¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Choosing a new school is one of the biggest decisions a parent makes, and is often based on a mixture of visiting, speaking to friends and looking at Ofsted reports.

From BBC

Then, she sought out Barney, insisting on speaking only to him rather two other McCarthy biographers vying for her attention.

From Los Angeles Times

The Mountain View Police Department launched an investigation in July after speaking with a man who said he woke up injured after having drinks with Sarceno Orla, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

As a girl, Saada Arbane had her throat cut in an Islamist militant attack that wiped out most of her family, and now communicates through a speaking tube.

From BBC

When Trump comes riding six white horses as he gallops back into the White House, he will have a young, inexperienced adult known for bombast speaking for him.

From Salon