Conjugated alkynes are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of natural products, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and organic molecular materials. Since its introduction in 1975, the palladium‐catalyzed Sonogashira reaction has become the primary choice for the construction of sp–sp
2
carbon–carbon bonds in aryl‐, heteroaryl‐, and alkenyl‐substituted alkynes. A vast range of reaction conditions have been explored to expand and optimize the scope of the Sonogashira reaction, including sustainable variants, microwave‐assisted cross couplings, and cross couplings performed in water. Research efforts also target the development of improved catalytic systems for the Sonogashira reaction, such as solid‐supported palladium catalysts and nanoparticles, the use of
N
‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ligands, as well as copper‐free variants of the reaction. This Chapter reviews the application of the palladium‐catalyzed Sonogashira cross coupling of terminal alkynes with aryl or alkenyl halides and triflates. Coupling reactions that form conjugated alkynes via alternative methods, or use different electrophiles, catalysts, or alkynes, are also briefly described.