eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈe-lə-kwən(t)s How to pronounce eloquence (audio)
Synonyms of eloquence
1
: discourse marked by force and persuasiveness
also : the art or power of using such discourse
2
: the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness

Examples of eloquence in a Sentence

The senator's eloquence is well known. She spoke with eloquence on the need for better schools.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many individuals are drawn to you like a magnet because of your eloquence and allure. Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 18 June 2026 Their letters to each other are written with varying degrees of eloquence. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 17 June 2026 His emotional eloquence pushed music toward the future. Daniel Felsenthal, Pitchfork, 4 Apr. 2026 The oversized teddy bear of a man with the languid baritone, who speaks with the eloquence of a poet, the encouragement of a coach, and the comfort of a minister, came up in the legendary Night Hawk in the 1970s. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eloquence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin ēloquentia, noun derivative of ēloquent-, ēloquens "capable of speech, expressing oneself fluently, eloquent"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eloquence was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Eloquence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eloquence. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

eloquence

noun
el·​o·​quence ˈel-ə-kwən(t)s How to pronounce eloquence (audio)
: speech or writing that is forceful and convincing
also : the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way

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