First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1talk
verb \ˈtȯk\
: to say words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone
: to have a conversation or discussion with someone
: to have a conversation about (something)
Full Definition of TALK
transitive verb
1
: to deliver or express in speech : utter
2
: to make the subject of conversation or discourse : discuss <talk business>
3
: to influence, affect, or cause by talking <talked them into going>
4
: to use (a language) for conversing or communicating : speak
intransitive verb
1
a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words b : to convey information or communicate in any way (as with signs or sounds) <can make a trumpet talk> <make the computer talk to the printer>
2
: to use speech : speak
4
: to give a talk : lecture
— talk·er noun
— talk back
: to answer impertinently
— talk sense
: to voice rational, logical, or sensible thoughts
— talk through one's hat
: to voice irrational, illogical, or erroneous ideas
— talk turkey
: to speak frankly or bluntly
See talk defined for English-language learners
See talk defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TALK
Middle English; akin to Old English talu tale
Related to TALK
2talk
noun
: an occurrence in which one person talks about something with another person : a conversation or discussion
: the act of talking formally about something before a group of people : a speech or lecture
: a formal discussion between two or more groups that are trying to reach an agreement about something
Full Definition of TALK
2
: a way of speaking : language
3
: pointless or fruitless discussion : verbiage
4
: a formal discussion, negotiation, or exchange of views —often used in plural
6
: the topic of interested comment, conversation, or gossip <it's the talk of the town>
7
8
: communicative sounds or signs resembling or functioning as talk <bird talk>
See talk defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TALK
14th century
Related to TALK
- Synonyms
- address, declamation, harangue, oration, peroration, speech
TALKING Defined for Kids
1talk
verb \ˈtȯk\
talkedtalk·ing
Definition of TALK for Kids
1
: to express in speech : speak <You're talking too fast.>
2
: to speak about : discuss <They're talking business.>
3
: to cause or influence with words <I talked them into agreeing.>
4
: to use a certain language <They were talking Spanish.>
5
: to exchange ideas by means of spoken words : converse <Let's sit and talk.>
6
: to pass on information other than by speaking <Can you talk with your hands?>
7
: 2gossip <If you act that way, people will talk.>
8
: to reveal secret information <Officials forced the spy to talk.>
— talk·er noun
— talk over
: discuss 2 <We need to talk over our vacation plans.>
2talk
noun
Definition of TALK for Kids
1
: the act or an instance of speaking with someone <We had a talk.>
2
: a way of speaking : language
3
4
: 1rumor <Has there been talk of war?>
5
: the topic of comment or gossip <The President's visit is the talk of the town.>
6
: an informal address <The coach gave us a talk to raise our spirits.>
Learn More About TALK
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: talkabilityPrevious Word in the Dictionary: talitolAll Words Near: talk
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up talk? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).