orally

adverb

oral·​ly ˈȯr-ə-lē 

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

Prednisone, a type of steroid, can be taken orally or via injection. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Misoprostol can be used orally or vaginally. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

Biologics that are typically administered in doctor offices get more time than drugs taken orally. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 12 June 2026

In place of the shot, Mercola had recommended vitamin K drops, which are taken orally and have been touted online as a popular alternative. — Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for orally

• aurally
• morally
• contributorily
• obligatorily
• discriminatorily
• mandatorily
• statutorily