American English

How to pronounce conversation

nounA2Common word
kahnverSAYshn

/ˌkʰɑn.vɚˈseɪ.ʃn̩/

4 syllables · Stress the third syllable.

A talk in which two or more people speak and listen to each other.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

A talk in which two or more people speak and listen to each other.

We had a long conversation after dinner.

Can we have a private conversation?

Good to know

Say “have a conversation,” not “make a conversation.”

Common phrases & grammar

have a conversation · start a conversation · a private conversation · a difficult conversation

have a conversation with someone about something

a conversation between two people

Useful expressions

make conversation

to talk mainly to avoid an uncomfortable silence

She made conversation while we waited.

conversation starter

a question or topic that helps people begin talking

That question is a good conversation starter.

Related words & forms