1
a
: uttered by the mouth or in words : spoken
oral traditions
b
: using speech or the lips especially in teaching the deaf
2
a
: of, given through, or involving the mouth
oral health
an oral vaccine
b
: being on or relating to the same surface as the mouth
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the first stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which libidinal gratification is derived from intake (as of food), by sucking, and later by biting
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependency and aggressiveness
: an oral examination
—usually used in plural
Examples of oral in a Sentence
Adjective
She practices good oral hygiene by brushing her teeth at least twice a day.
As part of her oral examination, she had to recite the names of all the presidents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Korin Miller, SELF, 28 Oct. 2025
The state Supreme Court is also slated to hear oral arguments in early November regarding three parents' request to intervene in the circuit court case.
—Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2025
Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024
Swedish Match data shows the vast majority are previous consumers of traditional oral, vaping, and cigarette products with others coming from other nicotine product categories.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oral
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Adjective
But Zurzuvae is the only oral drug that’s specifically indicated for postpartum depression, which is why there’s so much excitement about it.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 28 Oct. 2025
The state Supreme Court is also slated to hear oral arguments in early November regarding three parents' request to intervene in the circuit court case.
—Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
This come-worthy vibe is giving all the oral, none of the tongue.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024
Swedish Match data shows the vast majority are previous consumers of traditional oral, vaping, and cigarette products with others coming from other nicotine product categories.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oral
Cite this Entry
“Oral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oral. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
oral
adjective1
a
: of, relating to, or involving the mouth : buccal
the oral mucous membrane
b
: given or taken through or by way of the mouth
an oral vaccine
an oral suspension of a drug
c
: acting on the mouth
oral diseases
2
: emphasizing lipreading and the development of vocal expression in teaching the deaf compare manual sense 2
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the first stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which libidinal gratification is derived from intake (as of food), by sucking, and later by biting
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependence and aggressiveness compare anal sense 2, genital sense 3, phallic sense 2
orally
adverb
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