well-spoken

adjective

well-spo·​ken ˈwel-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce well-spoken (audio)
1
: speaking well, fitly, or courteously
a well-spoken young woman
2
: spoken with propriety
well-spoken words

Examples of well-spoken in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These kids are kind, well-spoken, talented and clever. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2023 Shotwell is a former high school cheerleader who is trained as an engineer but lacks their nerdiness, instead she has been described as smooth and well-spoken. Byluisa Beltran, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'well-spoken.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-spoken was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near well-spoken

Cite this Entry

“Well-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-spoken. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

well-spoken

adjective
well-spo·​ken
-ˈspō-kən
1
: having a good command of language : speaking well and especially courteously
2
: spoken in a fitting and proper manner
well-spoken words

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