cross talk
nounDefinition of cross talk
1
: unwanted signals in a communication channel (as in a telephone, radio, or computer) caused by transference of energy from another circuit (as by leakage or coupling)
2a
: conversation that does not relate to the main topic being discussed
b
: conversation or repartee engaged in for an audience
Examples of cross talk in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The issue took up the rest of the first hour of the debate but the constant cross talk between the candidates was repeatedly interrupted by the CNN moderators, who were strictly enforcing the cable outlet's debate rules and time limits. — Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, "Health care and CNN's rules are among the winners and losers of Tuesday's Democratic debate," 30 July 2019 At times the forum became a free-for-all of cross talk among candidates desperate to wedge their personalities and signature ideas into brief snippets of television airtime. — Jonathan Martin, New York Times, "Democrats Diverge on Economy and Immigration in First Debate," 27 June 2019 Eavesdropping Plants Despite the growing evidence that plants are capable of communication, many plant scientists still question whether this cross talk is biologically meaningful. — Quanta Magazine, "The Secret Language of Plants," 16 Dec. 2013 Some 4 percent of people report having it, and studies suggest the phenomenon has to do with slight differences in their brains, compared to normal ones, that allow for more cross talk between the wiring for sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. — Maureen Seaberg, Glamour, "Meet the Nurse Whose Superpower is Feeling Your Pain — Literally," 28 Feb. 2018 The singsong verse of the morality plays is countered by ribald cross talk delivered with naturalistic verve. — Jesse Green, New York Times, "Review: ‘The Amateurs’ Takes On God, Noah’s Ark and the Plague. For Laughs.," 27 Feb. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cross talk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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