dialogue

noun

1. conversation between two or more persons.
2. the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.
3. an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.
4. a literary work in the form of a conversation: a dialogue of Plato.

verb (used without object), di·a·logued, di·a·logu·ing.

5. to carry on a dialogue; converse.
6. to discuss areas of disagreement frankly in order to resolve them.

verb (used with object), di·a·logued, di·a·logu·ing.

7. to put into the form of a dialogue.

noun

1. conversation between two or more people
2. an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion
3. the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction
4. a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work
5. a literary composition in the form of a dialogue
6. a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups

verb rare

7. (tr) to put into the form of a dialogue
8. (intr) to take part in a dialogue; converse

n.

early 13c., “literary work consisting of a conversation between two or more persons,” from Old French dialoge, from Latin dialogus, from Greek dialogos “conversation, dialogue,” related to dialogesthai “converse,” from dia- “across” (see dia-) + legein “speak” (see lecture (n.)).

Sense broadened to “a conversation” c.1400. Mistaken belief that it can only mean “conversation between two persons” is from confusion of dia- and di- (1). A word for “conversation between two persons” is the hybrid duologue (1864).