lecture

[lek-cher]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lecture¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lecture¹

C14: from Medieval Latin lectūra reading, from legere to read

Example Sentences

Yet away from the mainstream, Ceirion Dewar, who is a bishop in the small, more conservative, traditionalist Confessing Anglican Church, insists he will not be "lectured to" by these clergy.

Read more on BBC

He presented a preliminary version on June 4, 2024, when a slot opened up at a lunchtime lecture series.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This week, a chastened Summers found himself in different circumstances: standing in the well of a Harvard lecture hall, asking his students’ forgiveness as his professional life was unraveling.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s not exactly traditional performance art, but I believe that spaces like lectures and readings can be made performative.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whenever I forget to take the chicken out of the freezer, she lectures me—and then proceeds to prosecute me for forgetting to turn in my language arts essay.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• admonish 
• chide 
• preach 
• scold