oratorio

noun

or·​a·​to·​rio ˌȯr-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-ˌō How to pronounce oratorio (audio)
ˌär-
plural oratorios
: a lengthy choral work usually of a religious nature consisting chiefly of recitatives, arias, and choruses without action or scenery

Examples of oratorio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An oratorio is a large concert piece for orchestra and singers. David Lyman, The Enquirer, 12 July 2024 The Bob Marley Musical) and Abrams — who, back in 2017, wrote a multimedia opera-rap oratorio mashup titled The Greatest: Muhammad Ali for the Louisville Orchestra –the idea for Ali sprang from that score. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 July 2024 Vivaldi’s only surviving oratorio was composed for the women of the Venetian girls’ orphanage Ospedale della Pieta, where the composer served as music director. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Joined by triumphant bursts of strings and winds, John Thiessen’s bracing trumpet (celebrating the slaying of the enemies) brought the oratorio to an exuberant finish, the six singers aglow in a glorious polyphonic weave. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oratorio 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oratorio.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oratorio was in 1724

Dictionary Entries Near oratorio

Cite this Entry

“Oratorio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oratorio. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

oratorio

noun
or·​a·​to·​rio ˌȯr-ə-ˈtōr-ē-ˌō How to pronounce oratorio (audio)
ˌär-,
-ˈtȯr-
plural oratorios
: a vocal and orchestral work usually dramatizing a religious subject without action or scenery
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