Definition of "lecture" in English

noun

1. A spoken lesson or exposition, usually delivered to a group.

   • During class today the professor delivered an interesting lecture.

2. (by extension) A class that primarily consists of a (weekly or other regularly held) lecture (as in sense 1), usually at college or university.

   • We will not have lecture tomorrow.
   • Lecture notes are online.

3. A berating or scolding, especially if lengthy, formal or given in a stern or angry manner.

   • I really don't want you to give me a lecture about my bad eating habits.

4. (obsolete) The act of reading.

   • the lecture of Holy Scripture

verb

1. (ambitransitive) To teach (somebody) by giving a speech on a given topic.

   • The professor lectured to two classes this morning.

2. (transitive) To preach, to berate, to scold.

   • Emily's father lectured her about the importance of being home before midnight.