locution

[ loh-kyoo-shuhn ]

noun

1. a particular form of expression; a word, phrase, expression, or idiom, especially as used by a particular person, group, etc.
2. a style of speech or verbal expression; phraseology.

locution

/ ləʊˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. a word, phrase, or expression
2. manner or style of speech or expression

Derived Forms

• loˈcutionary, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of locution¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin locūtiōn- (stem of locūtiō ) “speech, style of speech,” equivalent to locūt(us) (past participle of loquī “to speak”) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of locution¹

C15: from Latin locūtiō an utterance, from loquī to speak

Synonym Study

See phrase.

Example Sentences

To borrow one of Trump’s con-man locutions, everybody knows this announcement is about scaring voters away and undermining the public’s trust in elections.

From Salon

I kept a list of such locutions as I was reading — an “index of themes,” to borrow the title of the opening poem.

From Los Angeles Times

An awkward locution, but it appeases the sensitivity police.

From Washington Post

The New Hampshire Democrat, who got elected six years ago by a margin of just 1,017 votes, uses an unmistakably New England locution to describe her state’s voters: “Wicked independent.”

From Washington Post

These locutions clutter Seymour’s book, especially since what we do know of Rhys’s life and career is, if not encyclopedic, a good deal.

From New York Times

Related Words

• inflection