aquarium

noun

aquar·​i·​um ə-ˈkwer-ē-əm 

plural aquariums or aquaria ə-ˈkwer-ē-ə 

1

: a container (such as a glass tank) or an artificial pond in which living aquatic animals or plants are kept

2

: an establishment where aquatic organisms are kept and exhibited

Examples of aquarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, Clifford is working with aquariums and researchers who might be willing to take some of the surviving young octopuses. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

From there, a wood bridge flows into a soaring great room highlighted by expansive picture windows, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, an 8,700-gallon freshwater aquarium and 85-inch retractable TV. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of aquatic vivarium

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aquarium

• tropical aquarium

Kids Definition

aquarium

noun

aquar·​i·​um ə-ˈkwar-ē-əm 

-ˈkwer-

plural aquariums or aquaria

-ē-ə

: a container (as a glass tank) in which living water animals or plants are kept

also : an establishment where collections of such animals or plants are kept and shown