# orally

/ˈɔɹəɫi/ (US) · /ˈɔːɹəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/orally
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

by mouth or through speaking. You use this when talking about taking medicine or giving information out loud instead of writing it down.

For teachers: by means of the mouth, especially in relation to the consumption of medicine or the spoken delivery of information.

## Examples

- The doctor told me to take the medicine orally.
- The ancient legends were passed down orally for generations before anyone finally wrote them in a book.
- While the contract was initially discussed orally during the meeting, the legal department insisted that every clause be documented in writing to ensure it remained enforceable.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies, especially in medical or formal contexts.

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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.