oration

noun

ora·​tion ə-ˈrā-shən 

ȯ-

: an elaborate discourse (see discourse entry 1 sense 2) delivered in a formal and dignified manner

She delivered an oration on the value of art in our society.

a commencement oration

a funeral oration

Synonyms

• address
• declamation
• harangue
• peroration
• speech
• talk

Examples of oration in a Sentence

She made an oration on the value of art in society.

the celebrated orations of Daniel Webster in unwavering support of the federal union

Recent Examples on the Web

In the late 19th century, before the invention of cinema and radio, every piece of music, performance, oration—even a natural view like a rainbow—was a unique event. —Todd Eckert, WIRED, 8 Dec. 2024

The governor is frequently seen on TV posturing before the camera and repetitively shaking his arms and hands at the audience as if to emphasize the magnitude of his oration. —Fred Medinger, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2024

Just a week ago, everyone had a pretty good idea of what Donald Trump’s nomination acceptance speech tonight — his third — would be like: Just like his first two and just like the fiery oration he’s given many times. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 July 2024

Pasquale and Giuseppe are merely victims only in the most obvious scene: a grandstanding courtroom oration by a lawyer who accuses Italy for its indifference to the suffering of street kids. —Armond White, National Review, 19 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin oration-, oratio speech, oration, from orare to plead, speak, pray; akin to Hittite ariya- to consult an oracle and perhaps to Greek ara prayer

First Known Use

circa 1504, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oration

noun

ora·​tion ə-ˈrā-shən 

ȯ-

: an important speech given on some special occasion

Etymology

from Latin oration-, oratio "speech," from oratus, past participle of orare "to speak, pray" — related to adore, oracle