lecture

American  

[lek-cher] / ˈlɛk tʃər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

lectured, lecturing

1. to give a lecture or series of lectures.

   He spent the year lecturing to various student groups.

verb (used with object)

lectured, lecturing

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

   Synonyms:

   teach, address

2. to rebuke or reprimand at some length.

   He lectured the child regularly but with little effect.

   Synonyms:

   hector, admonish

lecture British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to give or read a lecture (to an audience or class)

2. (tr) to reprimand at length

Other Word Forms

• prelecture noun
• unlectured adjective

Etymology

Origin of lecture

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

Example Sentences

She said she was also supposed to deliver a guest lecture on her thesis, cat-sit for a friend and pick up her books.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The results will be published online by Tarbat Discovery Centre and shared in a public lecture in late 2026.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis insisted that the venue chosen, a remodelled university lecture hall in the central city of Larissa, was one of the two biggest courtrooms in Greece.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

It would never be mistaken for a dry lecture or a didactic pamphlet.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

He left the door wide-open, and I knew there would be a lecture from Mrs. Lloyd about air-conditioning costs, so I pulled the door shut behind me as I followed him out.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold