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oratory
1[ awr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, or- ]
/ ˈɔr əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒr- /
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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.
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Words nearby oratory
oration, orator, Oratorian, oratorical, oratorio, oratory, oratrix, orb, orbicular, orbiculate, Orbison
Other definitions for oratory (2 of 2)
oratory2
[ 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use oratory in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for oratory (1 of 3)
oratory1
/ (ˈɒrətərɪ, -trɪ) /
noun
the art of public speaking
rhetorical skill or style
Derived forms of oratory
oratorical, adjectiveoratorically, adverbWord Origin for oratory
C16: from Latin (ars) ōrātōria (the art of) public speaking
British Dictionary definitions for oratory (2 of 3)
oratory2
/ (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
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