voluble Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective marked by a ready flow of speech
    • she is an extremely voluble young woman who engages in soliloquies not conversations

WordNet

Vol"u*ble adjective
Etymology
L. volubilis, fr. volvere, volutum, to roll, to turn round; akin to Gr. to infold, to inwrap, to roll, G. welle a wave: cf. F. voluble. Cf. F. Well of water, Convolvulus, Devolve, Involve, Revolt, Vault an arch, Volume, Volute.
Definitions
  1. Easily rolling or turning; easily set in motion; apt to roll; rotating; as, voluble particles of matter.
  2. Moving with ease and smoothness in uttering words; of rapid speech; nimble in speaking; glib; as, a flippant, voluble, tongue.
    [Cassio,] a knave very voluble. Shak.
    ✍ Voluble was used formerly to indicate readiness of speech merely, without any derogatory suggestion. "A grave and voluble eloquence." Bp. Hacket.
  3. Changeable; unstable; fickle. Obs.
  4. (Bot.) Having the power or habit of turning or twining; as, the voluble stem of hop plants. -- Vol"u*ble*ness, n. -- Vol"u*bly, adv.

Webster 1913