orally

adverb

oral·​ly ˈȯr-ə-lē How to pronounce orally (audio)
ˈär-
1
: in spoken words : by means of speech
The exam will be given orally.
an orally presented argument
Deaf, signing parents will "babble" to their infants in sign, just as hearing parents do orally; this is how the child learns language …Oliver Sacks
2
: by way of the mouth
The medicine can be administered orally.
Another example is amygdalin, which is found in the pits of peaches and apricots. If consumed orally, it is approximately 40 times more toxic than by intravenous injection …Des W. Connell

Examples of orally in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This year’s version also includes all epinephrine delivery systems, including nasal sprays and sublingual films, which are taken orally.. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Taking minoxidil orally can support the hair follicle cycle and trigger anagen (the resting phase) prematurely. Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2025 The test will still be given orally, but USCIS officers will need to ask only as many questions as needed to determine if the participant has passed or failed, instead of asking all 20 questions. Addy Bink, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025 Minoxidil, which works by improving blood flow to the scalp, can be taken orally or applied topically. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orally

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of orally was in 1608

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Cite this Entry

“Orally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orally. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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