As a Noun: 1. A person who is able to use their voice to say words and communicate in speech; a person who is not mute or dumb; a person who is not mute or dumb and deaf; a speaking person; a speaking and hearing person. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To be able to use your voice to say words and use speech to communicate; not to be mute or dumb; not to be deaf; to be a speaking (and hearing) person.