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

She said she was also supposed to deliver a guest lecture on her thesis, cat-sit for a friend and pick up her books.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis insisted that the venue chosen, a remodelled university lecture hall in the central city of Larissa, was one of the two biggest courtrooms in Greece.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

She indicated in her Mais lecture that, wherever it was in Britain's interest to do so, the government wants to align the UK's regulatory regime with that of the EU in more areas.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

It would never be mistaken for a dry lecture or a didactic pamphlet.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Because he traveled often to lecture, Greeley needed caretakers for his New York City townhouse.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold