bespeak

verb

be·​speak bi-ˈspēk 

bē-

bespoke bi-ˈspōk 

bē-

; bespoken bi-ˈspō-kən 

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

Synonyms

• book
• reserve

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

Every 9×9 will be bespoke and built to order, and Kalmar plans a limited run of 27 examples: nine of each derivative. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024

At a deeper level, such sentiments bespeak a Democratic Party that is ready to move past Biden — not least because some blame him for a series of decisions leading up to this year’s Trump victory. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024

Matt Martin, 47th — to initiate a study of police deployment required under the decree — bespeaks a lack of commitment throughout CPD, and by Johnson, to getting this work done. —David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 22 Nov. 2024

Council Oak Steaks & Seafood: A respite from the bells and whistles of the Hard Rock Casino where it’s located, the name bespeaks its specialties: stellar steak, seafood and lots of excellent wine choices. —Lori Capullo, Sun Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bespeak

verb

be·​speak bi-ˈspēk 

bespoke -ˈspōk  ; bespoken -ˈspō-kən  ; bespeaking

1

: to ask or arrange for in advance

2

: to make plain : show

her performance bespeaks much practice