eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈe-lə-kwən(t)s 

1

: discourse marked by force and persuasiveness

also : the art or power of using such discourse

2

: the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness

Synonyms

• articulacy [chiefly British]
• articulateness
• poetry
• rhetoric

Examples of eloquence in a Sentence

The senator's eloquence is well known.

She spoke with eloquence on the need for better schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometimes our horror reaches out and devastates others, and when that happens, the eloquence of our lies will do nothing to redeem us. —Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2025

He has long been known for his eloquence, candor and wit that can surface in unexpected moments. —Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

The letter is revered not just for its eloquence but for the extraordinary circumstances surrounding its creation. —John Blake, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025

One is simply to mark the beginning of a new administration in celebration and hope — and an occasional dose of eloquence. —Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin ēloquentia, noun derivative of ēloquent-, ēloquens "capable of speech, expressing oneself fluently, eloquent"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈel-ə-kwən(t)s 

: speech or writing that is forceful and convincing

also : the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way