noun
oratory
O-ruht-ree
noun
1
The skill or art of public speaking, especially in a formal or persuasive style.
"His oratory was so powerful that the whole audience rose to applaud."
2
A small chapel or private room set aside for prayer.
"The estate had a tiny oratory tucked behind the main hall."
How to Use Oratory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the skill of powerful public speaking, or a small chapel used for private prayer.
Common pairings
powerful oratory
a gift for oratory
Word Forms
oratories plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “oratory”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ was so powerful that the whole audience rose to applaud.
Etymology
From Late Latin oratorium, related to orare, "to speak, pray."