oratory
1 Americannoun
-
skill or eloquence in public speaking.
The evangelist moved thousands to repentance with his oratory.
- Synonyms:
- declamation, delivery, rhetoric
-
the art of public speaking, especially in a formal and eloquent manner.
noun
plural
oratories-
a place of prayer, as a small chapel or a room for private devotions.
-
(initial capital letter) any of the religious societies of secular priests who live in religious communities but do not take vows.
noun
-
Also called: Congregation of the Oratory. the religious society of secular priests ( Oratorians ) living in a community founded by St Philip Neri
-
any church belonging to this society
the Brompton Oratory
noun
-
the art of public speaking
-
rhetorical skill or style
noun
Other Word Forms
- oratorical adjective
- oratorically adverb
Etymology
Origin of oratory1
1580–90; < Latin ōrātōria, noun use of feminine of ōrātōrius of an orator. See orator, -tory 1
Origin of oratory2
1300–50; Middle English < Late Latin ōrātōrium place of prayer. See orator, -tory 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His oratory and pen helped shape the 14th Amendment’s guarantees of citizenship and equal protection and the 15th’s promise of black male suffrage.
With his father often on the road, the pastor of their church became a mentor to Thomas and noticed his oratory skills.
On Friday, as the Rams prepared for the second night of the draft, McVay used his oratory skills before another assemblage of pros.
From Los Angeles Times
After about eight minutes, the protesters left the roadway, convening in front of the 17-story tower, where the oratory continued.
From Los Angeles Times
While his oratory continues to project passion for justice, his controversial image has faded somewhat as his civil rights goals have become more inclusive.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
