orator

noun

or·​a·​tor ˈȯr-ə-tər How to pronounce orator (audio)
ˈär-
1
: one who delivers an oration
The orator delivered the funeral oration at the cathedral.
2
: one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker
is a masterly orator, able to reduce a throng of thousands to a hushed silenceRaymond Bonner

Examples of orator in a Sentence

though a brilliant wordsmith, Thomas Jefferson was by his own admission an unskilled orator
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Mehdi Hasan, a fiery orator who once held forth on weekends for MSNBC, started his own digital outlet, Zeteo. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025 Booker’s Senate stunt was a means to portray himself as a great orator, a leader who is empathetic to the average individual disparaged by billionaire types and President Donald Trump. Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 America's 250th Anniversary A Smithsonian magazine special report Massachusetts doctor Joseph Warren was a prominent patriot during the American Revolution, a stirring orator who managed a busy medical practice as well as a spy network. Eliza McGraw, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2025 But one of the most unforgettable moments of the day came from the commencement orator himself — Emmy, Grammy, NAACP Image and Peabody Award-winning actor and literacy advocate, LeVar Burton. Oumou Fofana, Essence, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for orator

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orator was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Orator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orator. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

orator

noun
or·​a·​tor ˈȯr-ət-ər How to pronounce orator (audio)
ˈär-
: a public speaker noted for skill and power in speaking

More from Merriam-Webster on orator

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