eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈe-lə-kwən(t)s 

1

: discourse marked by force and persuasiveness

also : the art or power of using such discourse

2

: the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness

Synonyms

• rhetoric
• poetry
• articulateness

Examples of eloquence in a Sentence

The senator's eloquence is well known.

She spoke with eloquence on the need for better schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mercury in Leo on June 26 boosts your confidence and eloquence, so use it wisely. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025

But Everett reminds us that men like James had to hide their eloquence and learning in order to survive. —Kyra Davis Lurie june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

His eloquence helped launch the modern environmental movement and gave power to the idea that the nation’s public lands are a fundamental part of the United States’ national identity and a cornerstone of American freedom. —Leisl Carr Childers, The Conversation, 13 May 2025

At a time when the world seems increasingly divided into winners and losers, exploiters and suckers, Henry Johnson speaks with sardonic eloquence to our current moment in American life. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin ēloquentia, noun derivative of ēloquent-, ēloquens "capable of speech, expressing oneself fluently, eloquent"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈel-ə-kwən(t)s 

: speech or writing that is forceful and convincing

also : the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way