Oracle Meaning
/ˈɔɹəkəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA shrine dedicated to some prophetic deity.
nounA person such as a priest through whom the deity is supposed to respond with prophecy or advice.
Sentence Examples
The oracle was fulfilled.
Oracle bones discovered on this site provide the earliest records of Chinese writing.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In ancient Greece, the priestess at Delphi was known as the ____ who delivered prophecies about the future.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In ancient Greece, people traveled to the ____ at Delphi to seek guidance about the future.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English oracle, from Old French oracle m, from Latin ōrāculum n.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The oracles are dumb; / No voice or hideous hum / Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving."
— 1629, John Milton, “On the Morning of Christs Nativity”, in Poems of Mr. John Milton, […], London: […] Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Mosely, […], published 1646, →OCLC:
"The several oracles included in this haftarah presumably were uttered at different times to the people in exile, presenting diverse themes and using distinct styles."
— 2001, David L. Lieber, Jules Harlow, Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, page 94:
"Fight all couragiouſly and be you kings,
I ſpeake it, and my words are oracles."
— c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act III, scene iii:
"Shee ſtiles her ſelfe their Chiefe, and ſweares ſhee will command; / And, what-ſo-ere ſhee ſaith, for Oracles muſt ſtand."
— 1612, Michael Drayton, “The Second Song”, in [John Selden], editor, Poly-Olbion. Or A Chorographicall Description of Tracts, Riuers, Mountaines, Forests, and Other Parts of this Renowned Isle of Great Britaine, […], London: […] [Humphrey Lownes] for M[athew] Lownes; I[ohn] Browne; I[ohn] Helme; I[ohn] Busbie, →OCLC, page 29:
"oracles of mode"
— 1847, Alfred Tennyson, “(please specify the page number, or |part=Prologue, I to VII, or conclusion)”, in The Princess: A Medley, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In ancient Greece, the priestess at Delphi was known as the ____ who delivered prophecies about the future.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In ancient Greece, people traveled to the ____ at Delphi to seek guidance about the future.