oratory

1
[ awr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, or- ]
/ ˈɔr əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒr- /

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.

Origin of oratory

1
1580–90; < Latin ōrātōria, noun use of feminine of ōrātōrius of an orator. See orator, -tory1

Definition for oratory (2 of 2)

oratory 2
[ 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

2
1300–50; Middle English < Late Latin ōrātōrium place of prayer. See orator, -tory2

Example sentences from the Web for oratory

British Dictionary definitions for oratory (1 of 3)

oratory 1
/ (ˈɒrətərɪ, -trɪ) /

noun

the art of public speaking
rhetorical skill or style

Derived forms of oratory

oratorical, adjective oratorically, adverb

Word Origin for oratory

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

British Dictionary definitions for oratory (2 of 3)

oratory 2
/ (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 society the Brompton Oratory