lecture

[ lek-cher ]
/ ˈlɛk tʃər /

noun

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.
a speech of warning or reproof as to conduct; a long, tedious reprimand.

verb (used without object), lec·tured, lec·tur·ing.

to give a lecture or series of lectures: He spent the year lecturing to various student groups.

verb (used with object), lec·tured, lec·tur·ing.

to deliver a lecture to or before; instruct by lectures.
to rebuke or reprimand at some length: He lectured the child regularly but with little effect.

Origin of lecture

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin lēctūra a reading. See lection, -ure

OTHER WORDS FROM lecture

pre·lec·ture, noun, adjective, verb, pre·lec·tured, pre·lec·tur·ing. un·lec·tured, adjective

Words nearby lecture

Example sentences from the Web for lecture

British Dictionary definitions for lecture

lecture
/ (ˈlɛktʃə) /

noun

a discourse on a particular subject given or read to an audience
the text of such a discourse
a method of teaching by formal discourse
a lengthy reprimand or scolding

verb

to give or read a lecture (to an audience or class)
(tr) to reprimand at length

Word Origin for lecture

C14: from Medieval Latin lectūra reading, from legere to read