First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
oracle
noun or·a·cle \ˈȯr-ə-kəl, ˈär-\
in ancient Greece : a person (such as a priestess) through whom a god was believed to speak
: the place (such as a shrine) where people went to ask questions of an oracle
: an answer or message given by an oracle
Full Definition of ORACLE
1
a : a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak b : a shrine in which a deity reveals hidden knowledge or the divine purpose through such a person c : an answer or decision given by an oracle
2
a : a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions b : an authoritative or wise expression or answer
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Origin of ORACLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin oraculum, from orare to speak — more at oration
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
Rhymes with ORACLE
ORACLE Defined for Kids
oracle
noun or·a·cle \ˈȯr-ə-kəl\
Definition of ORACLE for Kids
1
: a person (as a priestess in ancient Greece) through whom a god is believed to speak
2
: the place where a god speaks through a person
3
: an answer given by a person through whom a god speaks
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