speaking
adjectivenounverbinterjectiontop 1 000 in film dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈspiː.kɪŋ//
- Canada//ˈspi.kɪŋ//
- Australia//ˈspiː.kɪŋ//
- Australia/[ˈspɪi̯.kɪŋ]/
Used in speaking.
adjective
- 1
Used in speaking.
one's normal speaking voice
- 2
Expressive; eloquent.
The sight was more speaking than any speech could be.
There was no reply, save on the speaking countenance.
Then we read Spear's confrontational commentary on the "Richard Pryor Incident" from the Black perspective...and suddenly we began to feel that GCN's window on the Gay World was something we couldn't live without since no other Gay Media voice seemed so speaking.
- 3
Involving speaking.
It was her first speaking part: she screamed.
- 4
Having the ability of speech.
speaking parrot; speaking clock
- 5
Having the ability of speech. Having competence in a language.
The English-speaking gentleman gave us directions.
I travel in Russian-speaking countries.
The French-speaking world listened in to the broadcast.
Etymology
From Middle English spekinge, spekynge, spekinde, spekende, spekande, spekand, from Old English specende, sprecende (“speaking”), from Proto-Germanic *sprekandz (“speaking”), present participle of Proto-Germanic *sprekaną (“to speak”). Equivalent to speak + -ing. Cognate with Scots speikand, speikin (“speaking”), Saterland Frisian spreekend (“speaking”), West Frisian sprekkend (“speaking”), Dutch sprekend (“speaking”), German Low German sprekend (“speaking”), German sprechend (“speaking”).
noun
- 1
One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
I can read and understand most texts in German, but my speaking is awful.
- 2
The act of communicating vocally.
Sometimes, a brawl would erupt, as a result, but, in general, public speakings were peaceful events and essential ingredients for election to office.
- 3
A speaking exercise or exam.
- 4
An oral recitation of e.g. a story.
Etymology
From Middle English speking, spekynge, equivalent to speak + -ing.
verb
- 1
Also a form of speakpresent participle and gerund of speak
Who is that speaking? -Hi. This is José García (speaking).
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
interjection
- 1
Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.
Forms
- plural
- speakings