dictation

noun

dic·​ta·​tion dik-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dictation (audio)
1
b
: arbitrary command
2
a(1)
: the act or manner of uttering words to be transcribed
(2)
: material that is dictated or transcribed
b(1)
: the performing of music to be reproduced by a student
(2)
: music so reproduced

Examples of dictation in a Sentence

He used a tape recorder for dictation.
Recent Examples on the Web Today, our suite of products includes CAC, CDI, speech recognition, dictation and transcription. Charlotte Observer, 8 Feb. 2024 Apple’s consumer-facing AI technologies have largely focused on improving autocorrect and dictation in phones. Byrachyl Jones, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2023 Apple also said that a new voice recognition model for the dictation feature will help improve its accuracy. Andrew Cunningham & Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 June 2023 On-device voice dictation, with no Internet connection required and no time limit. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 26 Sep. 2023 Typing, voice dictation technology or my usual chicken scratch would’ve done the job far faster. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2024 Use the smart Fn keys to send emojis, mute and unmute your mic, or activate dictation; functions that can be customized using the keyboard’s free app. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2024 Depending on your operating system, version, software and the direction of the wind (just kidding), these dictation commands may or may not work. Kim Komando, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2023 When finished, press the Windows key + H to turn off dictation. Kim Komando, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dictation.' 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

borrowed from Late Latin dictātiōn-, dictātiō "uttering of material to be transcribed, command" (Latin, "dictated draft"), from Latin dictāre "to say repeatedly, say aloud words to be transcribed by another, issue as an order" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at dictate entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(2)

Time Traveler
The first known use of dictation was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near dictation

Cite this Entry

“Dictation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dictation

noun
dic·​ta·​tion dik-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dictation (audio)
1
: the act or process of giving commands
2
a
: the dictating of words
write from dictation
b
: something that is dictated or is taken down from dictation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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