noun · 18 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
General-American:/ˌɔː.ɹi.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Canada, General-American:/ˌoɹiɛnˈteɪʃən/
Australian, New-Zealand:/ˌoː.ɹi.ənˈtæɪ.ʃən/
rhymes with -eɪʃən
CMU ARPABET:AO2 R IY0 EH0 N T EY1 SH AH0 N
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The determination of the relative position of something or someone.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The relative physical position or direction of something.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The construction of a Christian church to have its aisle in an east-west direction with the altar at the east end.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
An inclination, tendency or direction.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
The ability to orient, or the process of so doing.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
The homing instinct in pigeons is an example of orientation.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: disorientation
6
noun
Meaning 6
An adjustment to a new environment.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
An introduction to a (new) environment.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
noun
Meaning 8
An introduction to a (new) environment.
Events to orient new students at a school; events to help new students become familiar with a school.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: education
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
9
noun
Meaning 9
The direction of print across the page; landscape or portrait.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Topics: media, publishing, typography
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
10
noun
Meaning 10
Ellipsis of sexual orientation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract