oracles

Noun

oracle (plural oracles)

1. A shrine dedicated to some prophetic deity.
   • The oracles are dumb; / No voice or hideous hum / Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving.1629, John Milton, “On the Morning of Christs Nativity”, in Poems of Mr. John Milton, […], London: […] Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Mosely, […], published 1646, →OCLC
2. A person such as a priest through whom the deity is supposed to respond with prophecy or advice.

   Synonyms:

   prophet

3. A prophetic response, often enigmatic or allegorical, so given.
   • The several oracles included in this haftarah presumably were uttered at different times to the people in exile, presenting diverse themes and using distinct styles.2001, David L. Lieber, Jules Harlow, Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, page 94
4. (archaic, figuratively) Something said that must come true or cannot be countermanded; an inexorable command or declaration.
   • Fight all couragiouſly and be you kings,
     I ſpeake it, and my words are oracles.c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC...
5. A person considered to be a source of wisdom.
   • a literary oracle

   Synonyms:

   expert

6. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.

See all 13 meanings of oracle