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

In 2016, he went viral after delivering a lecture in which he summarised the 34 elite universities that set their own admission standards, rather than follow national cut-off scores.

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

At a lecture to business leaders in London later on Tuesday, she will say this investment as well as closer ties with the EU and greater regional powers will help boost sluggish economic growth.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

I’ve gone from broadcasting a daily radio show, writing a weekly column, flying to deliver at least one lecture a week, and taking at least one listener cruise a year to a bedridden life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Enthusiastic volunteers, they had left their lecture halls and school benches to fight on the Western Front, inspired by surging feelings of patriotism and a longing for military glory.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold