0 to say words, to use the voice, or to have a conversation with someone:
mainly UK "Can I speak to Dan please?"
mainly US "Can I speak with Scott please?"
"Speaking." (= This is Scott.)
If he tells Julie what I said, I'll never speak to him again.
She speaks very highly of (= says good things about) the new director.
I can certainly come but I can't speak for my wife (= I can't tell you whether she can or not).
formal Who is going to speak for (= represent in a court of law) the accused?
He's old enough to speak for himself (= to say what he thinks).
I went with Ava - speaking of (= on the subject of) Ava, have you seen her new haircut?
We've been invited to Rachel and Jamie's wedding - speaking of which, did you know that they're moving to New York?
Speaking as (= with my experience as) a mother of four, I can tell you that children are exhausting.
Sue speaks with an American accent.
For five whole minutes, neither of them spoke a word (= they both said nothing).
Generally speaking, it's a good school.
Strictly speaking (= if I behave according to the rules), I should report it to the police.
The manager promised that she would speak to the person responsible.
3 to show or express something without using words:
4 used to form nouns to mean the special language used in a particular subject area or business:
computer-speak
marketing-speak
5 to say words, to use the voice, or to have a conversation with someone:
[ T ] No one spoke a word (= No one said anything).
[ I ] Generally speaking, this is what happens when you see a nutritionist.
Will you be speaking at the conference?
8 to show or express something without using words:
9 the special language used in a particular subject area or business:
business-speak
management-speak
Can I speak to you confidentially?
"Can I speak to Isobel, please?" "She's still in bed. I'll just go and see if she's conscious yet."
It is considered bad manners in some cultures to speak with your mouth full of food.
Unable to speak a word of the language, he communicated with his hands.
Do you speak English?