lecture

1 of 2

noun

lec·​ture ˈlek-chər How to pronounce lecture (audio)
-shər
1
: a discourse given before an audience or class especially for instruction
2
: a formal reproof
lectureship noun

lecture

2 of 2

verb

lectured; lecturing ˈlek-chə-riŋ How to pronounce lecture (audio)
ˈlek-shriŋ

intransitive verb

: to deliver a lecture or a course of lectures

transitive verb

1
: to deliver a lecture to
2
: to reprove formally
lecturer
ˈlek-chər-ər How to pronounce lecture (audio)
ˈlek-shrər
noun

Examples of lecture in a Sentence

Noun She's planning to give a series of lectures on modern art. Several hundred people are expected to attend the lecture. I came home late and got a lecture from my parents. I gave her a lecture about doing better in school. Verb She lectures in art at the local college. They lectured their children about the importance of honesty. I lectured her about doing better in school.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This week, an American professor has sparked controversy in Malaysia after criticizing the Southeast Asian nation’s official pro-Palestinian stance on the conflict during a visiting lecture. Koh Ewe, TIME, 25 Apr. 2024 Eddie was delivering a lecture to a group of intermediate and advanced players. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2024 The composer used recordings from Mr. Dennett’s lectures and interviews. Jonathan Kandell, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024 With this in mind, Danda suggests parents keep their comments brief, which allows for more of a back-and-forth discussion and prevents the pitfall of the discussion from turning into a lecture. Mia Taylor, Parents, 18 Apr. 2024 In 1938, around the same time as the high-spirited children’s lecture, the latest in a long list of doctors died during self-trials with anesthesia. Rachel Lance, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024 Advertisement World & Nation Author Salman Rushdie on ventilator, could lose eye after stabbing on lecture stage Aug. 12, 2022 Rushdie was swiftly hospitalized with serious injuries and underwent surgery. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024 But his politics are less predictable than his tarte-Tatin fetish and his lectures about manners might lead one to believe. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024 Both trips will include hands-on experiences and lectures so travelers leave with a better understanding of the history and culture of these distinct culinary regions. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024
Verb
Throughout the legal process, Dr. Mott, who lectured on Black Studies, was battling Stage 4 adrenal cancer. Debra Kamin, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024 In one scene, Maxine acts like a party is a matter of life and death, and in another Linda is lectured on her privilege by her Black friend Virginia (Amber Chardae Robinson). Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 The boy approached his father for advice, and the older man didn’t lecture his son about following the rules. Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024 West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, Howard University and the Shubert Organization. Brent Lang, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 William has also lectured for police departments on best practices for criminal investigations. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2024 Last week, Putin got to lecture millions of Americans by granting an interview to Tucker Carlson. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2024 Van Hise lectured on eugenics, gave public speeches and talked to legislators. Journal Sentinel, 29 Feb. 2024 Knight also lectures at Texas A&M School of Law and for the State Bar of Texas. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lecture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, act of reading, from Late Latin lectura, from Latin lectus, past participle of legere

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1590, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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

Dictionary Entries Near lecture

Cite this Entry

“Lecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lecture. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

lecture

1 of 2 noun
lec·​ture ˈlek-chər How to pronounce lecture (audio)
-shər
1
: a talk given before an audience or class especially for instruction
2

lecture

2 of 2 verb
lectured; lecturing ˈlek-chə-riŋ How to pronounce lecture (audio)
ˈlek-shriŋ
1
: to give a lecture or a series of lectures
2
: to instruct by lectures
3
lecturer
-chər-ər How to pronounce lecture (audio)
-shrər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lecture

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