lecture

[ lek-cher ]

noun

1. a speech read or delivered before an audience or class, especially for instruction or to set forth some subject:

   a lecture on Picasso's paintings.

   Synonyms: discourse, paper, talk, address

2. a speech of warning or reproof as to conduct; a long, tedious reprimand.

verb (used without object)

, lec·tured, lec·tur·ing.

1. to give a lecture or series of lectures:

   He spent the year lecturing to various student groups.

verb (used with object)

, lec·tured, lec·tur·ing.

1. to deliver a lecture to or before; instruct by lectures.

   Synonyms: address, teach

2. to rebuke or reprimand at some length:

   He lectured the child regularly but with little effect.

   Synonyms: hector, admonish

lecture

/ ˈlɛktʃə /

noun

1. a discourse on a particular subject given or read to an audience
2. the text of such a discourse
3. a method of teaching by formal discourse
4. a lengthy reprimand or scolding

verb

1. to give or read a lecture (to an audience or class)
2. tr to reprimand at length

Other Words From

• pre·lecture noun adjective verb prelectured prelecturing
• un·lectured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lecture¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin lēctūra “a reading”; lection, -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of lecture¹

C14: from Medieval Latin lectūra reading, from legere to read

Example Sentences

Besides teaching classes on Chinese society, he is writing a book about Occupy Central, collecting items for an archive of Hong Kong’s protest scene, organising conferences, and giving virtual lectures on democracy and politics.

From BBC

At the time of the lecture, Lillienfeld had already retired from the Sheriff’s Department and was working as an outside vendor.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the slack direction of Jade King Carroll, “The Light and the Dark” often feels more like an art history lecture than a play.

From New York Times

In 2008, internal affairs records show he was given a written reprimand for referring to a woman as a “broad” and repeatedly using profanity during a different training lecture.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2023, she was again referred to the Commons Standards Committee after registering payment for a lecture at the University of Bristol two days after the 28-day deadline.

From BBC

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold