oratorio

noun or·a·to·rio \ˌȯr-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-ˌō, ˌär-\

: a large piece of music for a group of singers and musicians that is usually about a religious subject

plural or·a·to·ri·os

Full Definition of ORATORIO

: a lengthy choral work usually of a religious nature consisting chiefly of recitatives, arias, and choruses without action or scenery

See oratorio defined for English-language learners

See oratorio defined for kids

Italian, from the Oratorio di San Filippo Neri (Oratory of St. Philip Neri) in Rome

First Known Use: 1731

Next Word in the Dictionary: oratory (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: oratoricalAll Words Near: oratorio

What made you want to look up oratorio? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears