bespeak

verb

be·​speak bi-ˈspēk How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bē-
bespoke bi-ˈspōk How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bē-
; bespoken bi-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bē-
; bespeaking

transitive verb

1
: to hire, engage, or claim beforehand
2
: to speak to especially with formality : address
3
: request
bespeak a favor
4
a
: indicate, signify
her performance bespeaks considerable practice
b
: to show beforehand : foretell

Examples of bespeak in a Sentence

Her newest album bespeaks a great talent for writing songs. bespoke the rental car weeks in advance of their trip
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other hand, the Trump campaign scheduled four events in the Tar Heel State in the final three days of the campaign — hardly a decision that bespeaks resounding confidence. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 The severity of the structures bespeaks a broader theme: the Japanese hierarchies working overtime to protect those in power. Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2024 Strange and complicated rhythm structures and overheated harmonies, along with mystic bird calls in the piano all bespeak the magic of his young love. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 Apple has long tended to its walled garden of in-house products, which has resulted in a uniform line of apps and accessories bespoke to its tech—and a whopping antitrust lawsuit from the Department of Justice. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bespeak 

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bespeak was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near bespeak

Cite this Entry

“Bespeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bespeak. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bespeak

verb
be·​speak bi-ˈspēk How to pronounce bespeak (audio)
bespoke -ˈspōk How to pronounce bespeak (audio) ; bespoken -ˈspō-kən How to pronounce bespeak (audio) ; bespeaking
1
: to ask or arrange for in advance
2
: to make plain : show
her performance bespeaks much practice

More from Merriam-Webster on bespeak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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