oral
word
/ˈɔɹəɫ/
OR-uhl
/ˈɔːɹəl/
AW-ruhl
Definition
Relating to the mouth or spoken rather than written. "Oral" is used for exams, traditions, or medicines taken by mouth.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in education ("oral exam") and medicine ("oral medication"). In academic settings, "oral tradition" means stories passed by word of mouth. Not usually used for casual conversation; more formal or technical contexts.
Spanish: oralPortuguese (BR): oralPortuguese (PT): oralChinese (Simplified): 口头的 - 口服的Chinese (Traditional): 口頭的 - 口服的Hindi: मौखिकArabic: شفهي - فمويBengali: মৌখিকRussian: устныйJapanese: 口頭の - 経口のVietnamese: bằng miệng - qua đường miệngKorean: 구두의 - 경구의Turkish: sözlü - ağızdan alınanUrdu: زبانی - منہ سے لیا جانے والاIndonesian: lisan - melalui mulut
Example Sentences
He took an oral exam for his English class.
basic
You should take this medicine by oral route.
basic
Many cultures pass stories through oral tradition.
basic
The doctor said the treatment is oral, not by injection.
natural
She has great oral communication skills.
natural
We had to give an oral report in front of the class.
natural