oratory

¹

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

noun

1. skill or eloquence in public speaking.

   The evangelist moved thousands to repentance with his oratory.

   Synonyms: declamation, delivery, rhetoric

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

oratory

²

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

noun

plural

oratories 

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

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

Oratory

¹

/ -trɪ, ˈɒrətərɪ /

noun

1. Also called: Congregation of the Oratory. the religious society of secular priests ( Oratorians ) living in a community founded by St Philip Neri

2. any church belonging to this society

   the Brompton Oratory

oratory

²

/ ˈɒrətərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. the art of public speaking

2. rhetorical skill or style

oratory

³

/ -trɪ, ˈɒrətərɪ /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• oratorical adjective
• oratorically adverb

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Oratory¹

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

Origin of Oratory²

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

Example Sentences

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

His gift for oratory could energize all kinds of people, including workers, presidents and other heads of state.

From Los Angeles Times

It announced that the school oratory would be open on Saturday and Sunday for pupils and their families to come together to remember Tiarnán.

From BBC

Related Words

• eloquence 
• rhetoric