talkative

[ taw-kuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. inclined to talk a great deal:

   One drink and she became very talkative.

   Synonyms: prolix, verbose, wordy

talkative

/ ˈtɔːkətɪv /

adjective

1. given to talking a great deal

Derived Forms

• ˈtalkativeness, noun
• ˈtalkatively, adverb

Other Words From

• talka·tive·ly adverb
• talka·tive·ness noun
• non·talka·tive adjective
• non·talka·tive·ly adverb
• non·talka·tive·ness noun
• over·talka·tive adjective
• over·talka·tive·ly adverb
• over·talka·tive·ness noun
• un·talka·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of talkative¹

A late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; talk, -ative

Synonym Study

Talkative, garrulous, loquacious characterize a person who talks a great deal. Talkative is a neutral or mildly unfavorable word applied to a person who is inclined to talk a great deal, sometimes without significance: a talkative child. The garrulous person talks with wearisome persistence, usually about personal and trivial things: a garrulous old man. A loquacious person, intending to be sociable, talks continuously and at length: a loquacious host.

Example Sentences

The talkative and smiley 15-month-old is also a pioneer—the first person to start receiving medical treatment for her genetic disorder before even being born.

From MIT Technology Review

She’s all business, tinkering with spokes and getting the bike ready to ride, but friendly and talkative.

From Outside Online

On another overseas trip, my normally talkative tween suddenly became shy when an officer asked who her parents were.

From Washington Post

That’s not to say he trusted me completely from the offset, but he was smart, direct, talkative, aware, funny.

From Voice of San Diego

Gao, who was usually open and talkative, sounded guarded, according to several officials familiar with the conversations.

From ProPublica

But he's also energetic, talkative, and boyishly excited about not just his beer, but all beer.

From The Daily Beast

Sources say the drug lord became quite talkative when he was high.

From The Daily Beast

Her daughter was bigger, more talkative, her dark blond hair now in long curls.

From The Daily Beast

But then the tall, solidly built former paratrooper has been the least talkative of the separatists.

From The Daily Beast

Women voters were also more talkative and excited, clearly relishing their chance to participate and have their say.

From The Daily Beast

Old Ripper, a talkative, discontented man, stopped and ventured to enter on his grievances.

From Project Gutenberg

The hotel-keeper, a stout Alsatian, was a talkative person, and told Walter nearly all he wished to know.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently my talkative companion volunteers the information that he also is waiting for trial.

From Project Gutenberg

If Chloe is not well informed, indiscreet and talkative Lycinion must take it upon herself to instruct Daphnis.

From Project Gutenberg

I found her exactly the same talkative, positive, passionate, conceited creature as we knew her twenty years ago.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• articulate
• chatty
• effusive
• garrulous
• glib
• loquacious
• voluble