ivory tower

ivory tower

noun

Definition of IVORY TOWER

1

: an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems

2

: a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude; especially : a place of learning

— ivory–tower adjective

— ivo·ry–tow·er·ish \-ˈtau̇-(ə-)rish\ adjective

Examples of IVORY TOWER

1. The book was written by some college professor who's spent her entire professional life in an ivory tower.

Origin of IVORY TOWER

translation of French tour d'ivoire

First Known Use: 1911

Rhymes with IVORY TOWER

coffee hour, cooling tower, credit hour, flower power, golden shower, happy hour, motive power, police power, quarter hour, staying power, trumpet flower, virgin's bower, water tower, zero hour