orator

noun

or·​a·​tor ˈȯr-ə-tər How to pronounce orator (audio)
ˈär-
Synonyms of orator
1
: one who delivers an oration
The orator delivered the funeral oration at the cathedral.
2
: one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker
… is a masterly orator, able to reduce a throng of thousands to a hushed silence …Raymond Bonner

Examples of orator in a Sentence

though a brilliant wordsmith, Thomas Jefferson was by his own admission an unskilled orator
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.
King’s greatest talent as an orator was improvisation. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 Alfaro is among international football’s best orators. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 10 June 2026 According to an insider, Curry was chosen to speak for his role as the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and his talent as an orator. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 The power of an orator who can, in this way, fuse feeling and doctrine is immense. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orator

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orator was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Orator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orator. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

orator

noun
or·​a·​tor ˈȯr-ət-ər How to pronounce orator (audio)
ˈär-
: a public speaker noted for skill and power in speaking

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