orally

[ awr-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. through or by means of speech; vocally:

   The agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally; all changes must be made in writing.

   First written down millenia ago, the ancient Vedic texts continue to be passed down orally even today.

2. through or by means of the mouth:

   These medications can either be taken orally or injected under the skin.

Other Words From

• non·o·ral·ly adverb
• post·o·ral·ly adverb
• sub·o·ral·ly adverb
• un·o·ral·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of orally¹

oral ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The antimalarial is administered orally as soon as patients learn they are pregnant and, if taken on regularly, can significantly reduce the chances of severe malaria over the course of gestation.

From Salon

In the future, the gel could be taken orally before or during alcohol consumption to prevent blood alcohol levels from rising and acetaldehyde from damaging the body.

From Science Daily

And a fourth company, the only one that currently makes the vaccine, which is given orally, has been working at a pace that experts describe as “heroic” to expand its production.

From New York Times

Romeyka does not have a writing system and has been transmitted only orally.

From Science Daily

New research from the University of British Columbia reveals a safe path to overcoming food allergies for older children and others who can't risk consuming allergens orally to build up their resistance.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• personally