oratory

[ awr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, or- ]

/ ˈɔr əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒr- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR oratory ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

skill or eloquence in public speaking: The evangelist moved thousands to repentance with his oratory.

the art of public speaking, especially in a formal and eloquent manner.

Nearby words

oration, orator, oratorian, oratorical, oratorio, oratory, oratrix, orb, orb weaver, orbicular, orbicular muscle of eye

Origin of oratory

1580–90; < Latin ōrātōria, noun use of feminine of ōrātōrius of an orator. See orator, -tory¹

SYNONYMS FOR oratory

1 rhetoric, delivery, declamation.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR oratory ON THESAURUS.COM

Definition for oratory (2 of 2)

oratory

[ awr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, or- ]

/ ˈɔr əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒr- /

noun, plural or·a·to·ries.

a place of prayer, as a small chapel or a room for private devotions.

(initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church. any of the religious societies of secular priests who live in religious communities but do not take vows.

Origin of oratory

1300–50; Middle English < Late Latin ōrātōrium place of prayer. See orator, -tory²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for oratory

For his oratory work he was paid over $1.3 million (a significant amount of which he donated to charity).
The Ugly Truth About Cory Booker, New Jersey’s Golden Boy|Olivia Nuzzi|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He launches into a flight of oratory on the past greatness of Petra.
Petra by Night|David Frum|January 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And for good reason: images of the crowd at political conventions can be as important as the oratory.
You Aced It, Michelle Obama|Mansfield Frazier|September 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Coombs closed his oratory with a soaring appeal to conscience.
Bradley Manning Awaits Army’s Decision on Whether to Court-Martial Him|Denver Nicks|December 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST

“A memorable display of oratory and oratorical skill,” fierce Obama critic Charles Krauthammer admitted.
Mourner-in-Chief's Eulogy Puts Palin to Shame|Lloyd Grove|January 13, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Their public speakers cultivate a particular branch of oratory.
The Indian in his Wigwam|Henry R. Schoolcraft
I will to my oratory and pray for her, since to aid her by hand and head is alike denied to me.
The Fair Maid of Perth|Sir Walter Scott
When night fell, oratory was again rampant in all parts of the city.
The Confessions of a Caricaturist, Vol 2 (of 2)|Harry Furniss
Presently she heard voices in the passage which divided the Oratory from Harriet's room.
Margaret Capel, v. 3 of 3|Ellen Wallace
Oratory flowed on an ever rising tide, accompanied by much violent gesticulation and expectoration by way of emphasis.
Carmen Ariza|Charles Francis Stocking

British Dictionary definitions for oratory (1 of 3)

oratory

/ (ˈɒrətərɪ, -trɪ) /

noun

the art of public speaking

rhetorical skill or style

Derived Forms

oratorical, adjectiveoratorically, adverb

Word Origin for oratory

C16: from Latin (ars) ōrātōria (the art of) public speaking

British Dictionary definitions for oratory (2 of 3)

oratory

/ (ˈɒrətərɪ, -trɪ) /

noun plural -ries

a small room or secluded place, set apart for private prayer

Word Origin for oratory

C14: from Anglo-Norman, from Church Latin ōrātōrium place of prayer, from ōrāre to plead, pray

British Dictionary definitions for oratory (3 of 3)

Oratory

/ (ˈɒrətərɪ, -trɪ) /

noun RC Church

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 societythe Brompton Oratory

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012