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
Oliver Sacks2
: 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
Des W. ConnellExamples of orally in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Safety concerns Pure arnica taken orally in large doses is dangerous.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Nurses noted the toddler ate all foods by mouth, including French toast, quesadillas, pancakes, chicken, rice, fries and pasta, consuming all of his calories orally, according to doctors’ notes.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
According to Jackson, the majority arbitrarily collapses that distinction simply because the treatment is delivered orally.
—Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Since the latter is a version of semaglutide, which is typically given by injection, it’s been specially formulated to be taken orally.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orally
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Nurses noted the toddler ate all foods by mouth, including French toast, quesadillas, pancakes, chicken, rice, fries and pasta, consuming all of his calories orally, according to doctors’ notes.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
According to Jackson, the majority arbitrarily collapses that distinction simply because the treatment is delivered orally.
—Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Since the latter is a version of semaglutide, which is typically given by injection, it’s been specially formulated to be taken orally.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orally
Cite this Entry
“Orally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orally. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
