WordGarden.iooral
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɔːrəl/
US
- /ˈɔrəl/
Meanings
Adjective
spoken rather than written
relating to the mouth
taken or given by mouth, especially as medicine
More meaningsFewer meanings
involving sexual stimulation or sex using the mouth
Noun
an oral exam or spoken test
Beyond the definition
"Oral" most commonly refers to something done by the mouth, like oral hygiene (brushing your teeth) or an oral exam where you answer questions by speaking instead of writing. It also means "spoken" rather than written. Think of an oral tradition: stories passed down through generations by telling them aloud instead of writing them in books. Sometimes, especially in medical contexts, "oral" refers more directly to the mouth itself, like an oral temperature reading or oral medicine that you swallow.
The word "oral" has a broad range of meanings, all connected in some way to the mouth. At its most basic, it describes anything done by the mouth, like eating (taking food orally), speaking (giving an oral presentation), or caring for dental health (practicing oral hygiene).
However, "oral" also means something that is spoken rather than written. This is where we get terms like "oral history," which refers to collecting personal memories and stories through interviews, preserving knowledge outside traditional written records. An oral agreement is a promise made verbally. In some situations it can be legally valid, but it is often harder to prove than a written contract.
In medical contexts, "oral" often relates directly to the mouth. An oral thermometer measures temperature when placed in the mouth, while oral medication refers to pills or liquids you swallow. You might also hear about oral surgery, which includes procedures performed inside the mouth.
Historically, "oral" was central to cultures without widespread literacy. Stories, laws, and traditions were all preserved through the spoken word—a powerful form of communication that continues to shape our world today.
So whether it is a conversation, a story, a medical procedure, or simply something you take in through your mouth, "oral" connects to speech, health, and one of the most basic ways people interact with the world.
Examples
- 1
Exam
We have an oral exam in Spanish next week.
- 2
Presentation
She gave a short oral presentation about climate change.
- 3
School report
The teacher asked for an oral report, not a written one.
- 4
Tradition
Many of the stories were kept alive through oral tradition.
- Phraseoral tradition
stories, beliefs, or knowledge passed on by speaking
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Spoken agreement
They had only an oral agreement, so it was hard to prove what they had promised.
- Phraseoral agreement
an agreement made by speaking, not in writing
- 6
Dental care
Good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth and gum problems.
- 7
Medicine
The doctor prescribed an oral antibiotic.
- 8
Sexual health
The clinic gives advice about safer oral sex.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- oralnounadjective
Forms
- oralspluralnounadjective