• More from M-W
  • To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of elocution

  • public speaking

Examples of elocution in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elocution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English ellocucioun "oratorical or literary style," borrowed from Latin ēlocūtiōn-, ēlocūtiō "expression of an idea in words, manner of expressing oneself," from ēlocū-, variant stem of ēloquī "to utter, put into words" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at eloquent

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near elocution

Cite this entry.

“Elocution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elocution. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of elocution, more from merriam-webster on elocution.

Nglish: Translation of elocution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elocution

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), plural and possessive names: a guide, the difference between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.', why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word, what's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism', popular in wordplay, what does 'at large' mean, terroir, oenophile, & magnum: ten words about wine, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Synonyms of 'elocution' in British English

Additional synonyms, synonyms of 'elocution' in american english.

English Quiz

Browse alphabetically elocution

  • ellipsoidal
  • All ENGLISH synonyms that begin with 'E'

Tile

Wordle Helper

Tile

Scrabble Tools

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

  • Access the entire site, including the Easy Learning Grammar , and our language quizzes.
  • Customize your language settings. (Unregistered users can only access the International English interface for some pages.)
  • Submit new words and phrases to the dictionary.
  • Benefit from an increased character limit in our Translator tool.
  • Receive our weekly newsletter with the latest news, exclusive content, and offers.
  • Be the first to enjoy new tools and features.
  • It is easy and completely free !