conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
1
a(1)
: oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas
… we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed.Samuel Johnson
(2)
: an instance of such exchange : talk
a quiet conversation
b
: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups
conversations among the senators
c
: an exchange similar to conversation
We had a conversation by email.
2
obsolete : conduct, behavior
conversational adjective
conversationally adverb

Examples of conversation in a Sentence

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie? We got into a long conversation about his behavior. They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics. The topic came up in conversation. They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me. He kept trying to engage me in conversation. She's skilled in the art of conversation. an interesting topic of conversation We had a conversation by e-mail.
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.
Then again, the same team source said Roy had conversations with ownership during the GM search. Arthur Staple, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Ten teams had better chances and most analysts didn’t even mention them in championship conversations. Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 For more: read Jamie Lee Curtis, in conversation with Rachel Syme, on addiction, beauty standards, and encounters with Bette Davis. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025 After acquiring the missing information through a brief conversation, Florence promptly updated her analysis and confirmed the authorization. Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for conversation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conversacioun, from Anglo-French conversacion, from Latin conversation-, conversatio, from conversari to associate with, frequentative of convertere to turn around

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

conversation

noun
con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
: talking or a talk between two or more people
conversational
-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce conversation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
conversationally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conversation

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