oration

[ aw-rey-shuh n, oh-rey- ]

/ ɔˈreɪ ʃən, oʊˈreɪ- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR oration ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a formal public speech, especially one delivered on a special occasion, as on an anniversary, at a funeral, or at academic exercises.

a public speech characterized by a studied or elevated style, diction, or delivery.

Nearby words

orant, orarion, orarium, orate, orate fratres, oration, orator, oratorian, oratorical, oratorio, oratory

Origin of oration

1325–75; Middle English oracion < Latin ōrātiōn- (stem of ōrātiō) speech, prayer, equivalent to ōrāt(us) (past participle of ōrāre to plead, derivative of ōr-, stem of ōs mouth) + -iōn- -ion

SYNONYMS FOR oration

1 See speech.

2 discourse, declamation.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR oration ON THESAURUS.COM

Can be confused

oration peroration

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for oration

Being young and oh-so-clever, I thought it would be witty to close my oration with a quote that depended on the f-word.
My Commencement Address|Christopher Buckley|May 17, 2009|DAILY BEAST
At last, Mendoza finished his oration with three deputies in the hall, one of them snoring.
Maximina|Armando Palacio Valds
And having finished this oration, Stanley thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and jingled the money that was there.
The Freelands|John Galsworthy
After the repast and Oration, the whole company prepared to return.
History of Llangollen and its Vicinity|W. T. Simpson

"Yes; I am," said Moggs, rising to his legs and preparing himself for an oration on the rights of labour.
Ralph the Heir|Anthony Trollope
This quaint and suggestive custom received new strength from the oration which Rose contributed.
Rose of Dutcher's Coolly|Hamlin Garland

British Dictionary definitions for oration

oration

/ (ɔːˈreɪʃən) /

noun

a formal public declaration or speech

any rhetorical, lengthy, or pompous speech

an academic exercise or contest in public speaking

Word Origin for oration

C14: from Latin ōrātiō speech, harangue, from ōrāre to plead, pray

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012