Definition of "oratory" in English

noun

1. A private chapel or prayer room.

2. A Roman Catholic chapel; a building for public or private worship that is not a parish church.

3. (specifically) A Catholic church belonging to the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri.

noun

1. The art of public speaking, especially in a formal, expressive, or forceful manner.

2. Eloquence; the quality of artistry and persuasiveness in speech or writing.

   • Rising from humble farmhand to community organizer to a leader of the national Fatah party, Mr. Barghouti became known for his soaring oratory and common touch.