oralism

noun

oral·​ism ˈȯr-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce oralism (audio)
ˈär-
: advocacy or use of the oral method of teaching people who are deaf
oralist
ˈȯr-ə-list How to pronounce oralism (audio)
ˈär-
noun

Examples of oralism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the time Ami Tsuji-Jones enrolled at the deaf school in the 1960s, oralism was seen by critics as a failure. — Corinne Chin, CNN, 8 Oct. 2021 And though oralism triumphed nationally, sign language won out as the preferred method of communication at Gallaudet. — Matthew Davis, The Atlantic, 10 May 2017 But as oralism came to dominate deaf education, largely through Bell’s reputation, deaf communities responded by further embracing sign. — BostonGlobe.com, 8 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oralism was in 1883

Rhymes for oralism

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Browse Nearby Words

oral hood
oralism
orality
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Cite this Entry

“Oralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oralism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

oralism

noun
oral·​ism ˈōr-ə-ˌliz-əm, ˈȯr-, ˈär- How to pronounce oralism (audio)
: advocacy or use of the oral method of teaching the deaf
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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