oracle Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an authoritative person who divines the future
prophet; vaticinator; seer; prophesier.
noun a prophecy (usually obscure or allegorical) revealed by a priest or priestess; believed to be infallible
noun a shrine where an oracular god is consulted

F., fr. L. oraculum, fr. orare to speak, utter, pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See Oral.

The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle.
Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand. Drayton.
Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given.
The oracles are dumb; No voice or hideous hum Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. Milton.
The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural.
The first principles of the oracles of God. Heb. v. 12.
(Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself. 1 Kings vi. 19.
Siloa's brook, that flow'd Fast by the oracle of God. Milton.
One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet.
God hath now sent his living oracle Into the world to teach his final will. Milton.
Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle. "Oracles of mode." Tennyson.
The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on points of learning. Macaulay.
A wise sentence or decision of great authority.

imperfect & past participle Oracled ; present participle & verbal noun Oracling