English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

talkie

TAW-kee
Quiz me More like this

Talkie (noun) means a motion picture with synchronized sound, as opposed to a silent film. Example: “The 1920s saw cinemas switch from silent films to talkies.”

noun
1
A motion picture with synchronized sound, as opposed to a silent film.
"“We have just returned from the talkies.” “They should never have added sound. There was pop music and people talking all the way through it.”" — Jemaine Clement, The Return (2020)
"The 1920s saw cinemas switch from silent films to talkies."

How to use talkie

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned term for a film with sound, used mainly when contrasting it with silent films.

When to use it

Mostly used in a historical or old-fashioned context nowadays.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like talkie.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
talkies
Test yourself on “talkie” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The 1920s saw cinemas switch from silent films to _____.

Etymology

A shortening of "talking picture," formed on the model of "movie."

talking picture

Rhymes for talkie

See all rhymes for talkie →

Frequently asked questions

What does “talkie” mean?
The word “talkie” means a motion picture with synchronized sound, as opposed to a silent film. In plain terms, an old-fashioned term for a film with sound, used mainly when contrasting it with silent films.
How do you pronounce “talkie”?
“Talkie” is pronounced TAW-kee (/ˈtɔːki/ in IPA).
How do you use “talkie” in a sentence?
Here is “talkie” used in a sentence: “The 1920s saw cinemas switch from silent films to talkies.”
What part of speech is “talkie”?
“Talkie” is a noun.