# lecture

/ˈɫɛktʃɝ/ (US) · /lˈɛktʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lecture
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. educational talk

noun · CEFR A2 · Academic

a formal talk given to a group of people to teach them about a subject, especially at a university.

For teachers: a formal discourse delivered to an audience for instructional purposes, typically within a higher education context.

- The professor gave an interesting lecture on the history of art.
- The visiting professor delivered a guest lecture on quantum mechanics, attracting students from several different departments.

### 2. a scolding

noun · CEFR B2

a long, serious talk given to someone to criticize their behavior.

For teachers: a lengthy and formal reprimand or scolding, often delivered in a stern or moralizing tone.

- My father gave me a long lecture about coming home late.
- After the window was broken, the headteacher gave the students a stern lecture on the importance of respecting school property.

### 3. to teach

verb · CEFR B1 · Academic

to give a formal talk to a group of people to teach them a subject.

For teachers: to deliver an educational discourse to a group; often used intransitively to describe a professional role.

- She lectures at the local college every Tuesday morning.
- He has spent the last decade lecturing on international law at various prestigious institutions across Europe.

Usage: Often used with 'on' to indicate the subject matter.

### 4. to scold

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to talk to someone in an angry or serious way because they have done something wrong.

For teachers: to reprimand or criticize someone at length, often in a way that feels superior or annoying.

- I don't need you to lecture me about my diet.
- The manager spent twenty minutes lecturing the staff on punctuality instead of addressing the actual technical issues.

## Examples

- I have a history lecture at ten o'clock.
- The professor gave a fascinating lecture on the history of ancient architecture to a crowded hall of students.
- While the introductory lecture provided a broad overview of the subject, the subsequent seminars allowed for a more nuanced discussion of the specific case studies presented.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.