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

I’m pretty sure it’s to give talks and lectures, to spread the word of what’s to come—that sort of thing.

From Literature

The leaders keep us busy with lessons and lectures.

From Literature

Badenoch was born in London but spent much of her childhood in Nigeria, as well as the United States, where her mother lectured.

From BBC

Near the front of the lecture hall sat a young man.

From BBC

The show combined performance with lecture, drawing on Packer’s formidable scholarship to expand on her gradual realization, while directing the canon, that Shakespeare’s attitude toward women changed profoundly over the course of those plays.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold