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.
Hezbollah played on the popularity of Nasrallah, a skilled orator who spoke with a lisp and would crack the occasional joke and use slang. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2024 Cicero: The Roman Cicero is an orator in Julius Caesar. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 14 Oct. 2024 But Nasrallah has also proved a charismatic leader and orator who has bolstered Hezbollah’s legitimacy through a sophisticated communication strategy and has overcome harsh criticism before. Nicole Narea, Vox, 18 Sep. 2024 Despite having received no formal education, Douglass proved to be a dazzling orator who had firsthand experience of enslavement. Christine Kinealy, The Conversation, 14 June 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near orator

Cite this Entry

“Orator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orator. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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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