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noun

dictation

dihk-TAY-shuhn

Dictation (noun) means the act of speaking words aloud for someone to write down, or the words produced this way. Example: “The teacher gave the class a spelling dictation.”

noun
1
The act of speaking words aloud for someone to write down, or the words produced this way.
"The teacher gave the class a spelling dictation."
"She took dictation for the busy lawyer all afternoon."

How to Use Dictation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSpeaking words for someone else to write down, often used as a language-learning or office task.

Common pairings
take dictation a dictation exercise

Word Forms

dictations plural

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Fill the Gap

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The teacher gave the class a spelling _____.

Etymology

From Late Latin dictatio, built on the same root as "dictate."

Origin: Late Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for dictation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “dictation” mean?

The word “dictation” means the act of speaking words aloud for someone to write down, or the words produced this way. In plain terms, speaking words for someone else to write down, often used as a language-learning or office task.

How do you pronounce “dictation”?

“Dictation” is pronounced dihk-TAY-shuhn (/dɪkˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “dictation” in a sentence?

Here is “dictation” used in a sentence: “The teacher gave the class a spelling dictation.”

What part of speech is “dictation”?

“Dictation” is a noun.

Where does the word “dictation” come from?

The word “dictation” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin dictatio, built on the same root as "dictate.".

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