orator

noun

or·​a·​tor ˈȯr-ə-tər How to pronounce orator (audio)
ˈär-
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 silenceRaymond 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
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The eclectic cast of student orators are Noor, Noah, Sam, Mfaz, and Esther, the two-time reigning national champion in Oratory. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025 Set to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. on The Yard, the 68-year-old will serve as the Commencement orator and also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The Founding Father was an orator who gave the famous speech while proposing to fellow Virginia leaders that the colony raise troops to battle the British. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025 As a result, it potential animosity captivated attention and solidified his reputation as a master orator. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 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 6 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on orator

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