talk
noun
tɔːk 
tɔːk conversation
1 [countable] talk (with somebody) (about something) a conversation or discussionI had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.We need to have a serious talk about money matters.I had to have a heart-to-heart talk with her.She looked worried so we had a talk.formal discussions
2 talks [plural] formal discussions between governments or organizationsarms/pay/peace, etc. talksto hold talkstalk (between A and B) (on/over something) Talks between management and workers broke down over the issue of holiday pay.High-level talks on arms limitation will reopen next month.A further round of talks will be needed if the dispute is to be resolved.Union representatives walked out of emergency talks aimed at reaching a pay settlement.speech
3 [countable] talk (on something) a speech or lecture on a particular subjectShe gave a talk on her visit to China.words without actions
4 [uncountable] (informal) words that are spoken, but without the necessary facts or actions to support themIt's just talk. He'd never carry out his threats.Don't pay any attention to her—she's all talk.stories/rumours
5 [uncountable] talk (of something/of doing something)| talk (that…) stories that suggest a particular thing might happen in the futureThere was talk in Washington of sending in troops.She dismissed the stories of her resignation as newspaper talk.There's talk that he's a difficult actor to work with.topic/way of speaking
6 [uncountable] (often in compounds) a topic of conversation or a way of speakingbusiness talkShe said it was just girl talk that a man wouldn't understand.The book teaches you how to understand Spanish street talk (= slang).It was tough talk, coming from a man who had begun the year in a hospital bed. see also small talk, sweet talk, trash talkIdioms
the talk of something
the person or thing that everyone is talking about in a particular place
Overnight, she became the talk of the town (= very famous).
Usage note: discussionconversation dialogue talk debate consultation chat gossipThese are all words for an occasion when people talk about something.discussion a detailed conversation about something that is considered to be important: Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders.conversation a talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way: a telephone conversationdialogue conversations in a book, play or film: The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue. A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute: The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.talk a conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or something important for the people involved: I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.debate a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue: a debate on prison reformconsultation a formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about something: There have been extensive consultations between the two countries.chat a friendly informal conversation; informal talking. The countable use of chat is especially British English: I just called in for a chat about the kids.gossip a conversation about other people and their private lives: We had a good gossip about the boss.a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip about somethinga discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation on somethingin (close) discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation with somebodyto have a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip with somebodyto hold a discussion/conversation/debate/consultationUsage note: speechlecture address talk sermonThese are all words for a talk given to an audience.speech a formal talk given to an audience: Several people made speeches at the wedding.lecture a talk given to a group of people to tell them about a particular subject, often as part of a university or college course: a lecture on the Roman army ◇ a course/series of lecturesaddress a formal speech given to an audience: a televised presidential addressspeech or address?A speech can be given on a public or private occasion; an address is always public: He gave an address at the wedding.talk a fairly informal session in which somebody tells a group of people about a subject: She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.sermon a talk on a moral or religious subject, usually given by a religious leader during a service: to preach a sermona long/short speech/lecture/address/talk/sermona keynote speech/lecture/addressto write/prepare/give/deliver/hear a(n) speech/lecture/address/talk/sermonto attend/go to a lecture/talk