1
a
: uttered by the mouth or in words : spoken
oral traditions
b
: using speech or the lips especially in teaching the deaf
2
a
: of, given through, or involving the mouth
oral health
an oral vaccine
b
: being on or relating to the same surface as the mouth
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the first stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which libidinal gratification is derived from intake (as of food), by sucking, and later by biting
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependency and aggressiveness
: an oral examination
—usually used in plural
Synonyms
Examples of oral in a Sentence
Adjective
She practices good oral hygiene by brushing her teeth at least twice a day.
As part of her oral examination, she had to recite the names of all the presidents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Annie Gowen, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
This month, an Atlanta federal appeals court will hear oral arguments in the Chrisleys' case.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
In February, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on whether Enbridge Energy can continue to transport oil via Line 5 pipeline on the tribe’s reservation, located on the shores of Lake Superior near Ashland.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
The couple is also currently appealing their case and will soon have their case heard in oral arguments on April 19.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on April 25.
—Sarah D. Wire, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Concerning ourselves with oral storytelling may be the first step to discovering untold origins.
—Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
One study even found that patients with congestive heart failure taking oral magnesium supplements improved their symptoms and survival rate.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
The case is currently before the D.C. Circuit, which heard oral arguments on February 14.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 27 Feb. 2023
However, it can also be transmitted via oral-to-genital contact.
—Ella Lee, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2021
Both in Britain and the United States, cabotegravir and rilpivirine can be prescribed and used after an initial oral (tablet) lead-in period.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2021
The Ohio Supreme Court’s certification exam has two parts, one written and one oral.
—Cameron Fields, cleveland, 29 Sep. 2021
Due to its remoteness, Svan culture evolved over the centuries in isolation from the rest of Georgian lands, developing a unique oral-only language and traditions such as ritual beard cutting and blood feuds.
—Melissa Findley, National Geographic, 20 Nov. 2020
Astrid agrees, setting a few ground rules: no eye contact, no kissing after oral.
—Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, 24 June 2020
Adjective
Here’s what’s at stake in the case and some key moments from oral arguments.
—Annie Gowen, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
This month, an Atlanta federal appeals court will hear oral arguments in the Chrisleys' case.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
In February, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on whether Enbridge Energy can continue to transport oil via Line 5 pipeline on the tribe’s reservation, located on the shores of Lake Superior near Ashland.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
The couple is also currently appealing their case and will soon have their case heard in oral arguments on April 19.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on April 25.
—Sarah D. Wire, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Concerning ourselves with oral storytelling may be the first step to discovering untold origins.
—Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
One study even found that patients with congestive heart failure taking oral magnesium supplements improved their symptoms and survival rate.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
The case is currently before the D.C. Circuit, which heard oral arguments on February 14.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Noun
Still, the most effective therapies for female pattern hair loss include minoxidil (usually topical, but low-dose oral is increasingly used), spironolactone, and finasteride.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 27 Feb. 2023
However, it can also be transmitted via oral-to-genital contact.
—Ella Lee, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2021
Both in Britain and the United States, cabotegravir and rilpivirine can be prescribed and used after an initial oral (tablet) lead-in period.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2021
The Ohio Supreme Court’s certification exam has two parts, one written and one oral.
—Cameron Fields, cleveland, 29 Sep. 2021
Due to its remoteness, Svan culture evolved over the centuries in isolation from the rest of Georgian lands, developing a unique oral-only language and traditions such as ritual beard cutting and blood feuds.
—Melissa Findley, National Geographic, 20 Nov. 2020
Astrid agrees, setting a few ground rules: no eye contact, no kissing after oral.
—Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, 24 June 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near oral
Cite this Entry
“Oral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oral. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
oral
adjective1
a
: of, relating to, or involving the mouth : buccal
the oral mucous membrane
b
: given or taken through or by way of the mouth
an oral vaccine
an oral suspension of a drug
c
: acting on the mouth
oral diseases
2
: emphasizing lipreading and the development of vocal expression in teaching the deaf compare manual sense 2
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the first stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which libidinal gratification is derived from intake (as of food), by sucking, and later by biting
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependence and aggressiveness compare anal sense 2, genital sense 3, phallic sense 2
orally
adverb
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