From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishdictationdic‧ta‧tion /dɪkˈteɪʃən/ noun 1 [uncountable]SAY when you say words for someone to write down There were no secretaries available to take dictation (=write down what someone is saying).2 [countable]SESSLL a piece of writing that a teacher reads out to test your ability to hear and write the words correctly I hate doing French dictations.
Examples from the Corpus
dictation• The layout and print is easy on the eye and the revision passages for dictation becomes increasingly difficult as the book progresses.• I hate doing French dictations.• It's a spectacular scene and I make a point of leaving my dictation and watching through the curtains each evening.• The examination will consist of 6 assignments - 5 pieces of dictation and a manuscript assignment.• Finally, you can present the text orally as a partial dictation, with students filling in missing words as they listen.• And there were no assistants or secretaries to take dictation or run off copies for me.• The popular image of a secretary is one who types and takes dictation.take dictation• The popular image of a secretary is one who types and takes dictation.• As a secretary, I often have to take dictation.• And there were no assistants or secretaries to take dictation or run off copies for me.• No time to waste: a 1920s typist takes dictation as the train speeds to the next business meeting. 