lecture

American  

[lek-cher] / ˈlɛk tʃər /

noun

1. a speech read or delivered before an audience or class, especially for instruction or to set forth some subject.

   a lecture on Picasso's paintings.

   Synonyms:

   discourse, paper, talk, address

2. a speech of warning or reproof as to conduct; a long, tedious reprimand.

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verb (used without object)

lectured, lecturing

1. to give a lecture or series of lectures.

   He spent the year lecturing to various student groups.

verb (used with object)

lectured, lecturing

1. to deliver a lecture to or before; instruct by lectures.

   Synonyms:

   teach, address

2. to rebuke or reprimand at some length.

   He lectured the child regularly but with little effect.

   Synonyms:

   hector, admonish

lecture British  

/ ˈlɛktʃə /

noun

1. a discourse on a particular subject given or read to an audience

2. the text of such a discourse

3. a method of teaching by formal discourse

4. a lengthy reprimand or scolding

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verb

1. to give or read a lecture (to an audience or class)

2. (tr) to reprimand at length

Other Word Forms

• prelecture noun
• unlectured adjective

Etymology

Origin of lecture

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin lēctūra “a reading”; lection, -ure

Example Sentences

There, he met Ludwig Wittgenstein, the philosopher, and went to all the lectures in biology and chemistry he could find.

From The Wall Street Journal

During the lecture, Joan told the students that she was "still compos mentis enough" to make use of the help that is available.

From BBC

His response was not lectures, but structure, honesty and consistency - delivered through the opportunity to play sport, make music and learn life skills and underpinned by the discipline and respect learned in his boxing.

From BBC

It wasn’t just coaches lecturing, but also players speaking up.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a biography of our national ego, with Marty brashly lecturing the British head of the International Table Tennis Association that a champion from the United States would boost the sport’s global reputation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold