orate

verb

ȯ-ˈrāt How to pronounce orate (audio)
ˈȯr-ˌāt
orated; orating

intransitive verb

: to speak in an elevated and often pompous manner

Examples of orate in a Sentence

given the opportunity, many politicians will orate at considerable length on just about any subject the respected anthropologist is expected to orate about her latest research findings before a packed auditorium
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups? J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024 At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama. Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 The most persuasive and engrossing moment of the play comes late, when Harry Nelson is orating for his son’s benefit on the history and necessity of humankind’s relationship with firearms. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2023 Perhaps a chatbot can even orate. David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023 Marsha, Nate, and Jacob stand on the balcony as Cal begins to orate. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2022 The surest way to get yanked off the stage — any stage — is to clear one’s throat and begin to orate. Washington Post, 9 July 2021 My cousin, a single mom, had moved back in with my aunt and uncle, and everyone was helping her raise Jiajia — a precocious three-year-old who orated rather than babbled, and loved instructions, dogs, and Fruit-by-the-Foot. Connie Wang, refinery29.com, 10 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from oration

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orate was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near orate

Cite this Entry

“Orate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

orate

verb
orated; orating
: to speak as if giving an oration

More from Merriam-Webster on orate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!