elocution

noun

el·​o·​cu·​tion ˌe-lə-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce elocution (audio)
1
: a style of speaking especially in public
2
: the art of effective public speaking
elocutionary adjective
elocutionist noun

Examples of elocution in a Sentence

He took lessons in elocution. the oft-told story that he practiced elocution by learning to speak with a mouth full of pebbles
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.
The Bartlet staff’s righteous (and self-righteous) elocution might seem — to the cynical — sentimental, treacly, smarmy, or just eye-roll-inducingly dumb. Lizzie Logan, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2024 The delightful elocution of their dry-as-martini witticisms (dialect coach Nancy Carlin) adds to the joys of this period piece. Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 At first, she was struck by Roosevelt's more recognizable voice, bearing the extreme elocution of a transatlantic accent. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 June 2024 Elizabeth—with her precise elocution, her terrifying and obvious sincerity—sounded like a woman on the brink of a great cosmic battle. Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elocution 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elocution was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near elocution

Cite this Entry

“Elocution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elocution. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

elocution

noun
el·​o·​cu·​tion ˌel-ə-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce elocution (audio)
1
: a style of speaking especially in public
2
: the art of effective public speaking
elocutionary adjective
elocutionist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on elocution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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