academy

noun

acad·e·my | \ə-ˈka-də-mē

plural academies

Definition of academy

1a : a school usually above the elementary level especially : a private high school

b : a high school or college in which special subjects or skills are taught

c : higher education —used with the the functions of the academy in modern society

2 capitalized

a : the school for advanced education founded by Plato

b : the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy

3 : a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature

4 : a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about academy

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Examples of academy in a Sentence

an academy of the fine arts

Recent Examples on the Web

Most top footballers rise through professional club academies with access to great facilities and coaching. — Kanishk Tharoor, The Atlantic, "The Elusive Underdog Magic of the World Cup," 14 July 2018 The riding academy teaches new motorcyclists how to safely and properly ride their motorcycles. — Adriana Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Oconomowoc Harley-Davidson continues construction on in-house training course," 13 July 2018 Musicians attend academy Three Naperville musicians studied this summer at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Wisconsin. — Michelle Mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville People in the News," 13 July 2018 Yes, television academy members do repeat themselves. — Glenn Whipp, latimes.com, "Emmy snubs and surprises: New faces are in, old institutions are out and Sandra Oh makes history," 12 July 2018 Methods at club academies were overhauled, a squadron of coaches trained, specialist schools opened. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Belgium’s Blueprint, Croatia’s Chaos, and the Murky Path to World Cup Glory," 10 July 2018 The academy’s annual junior tennis tournament will also be held at Andrew on July 20 and 21. — Staff Report, Daily Southtown, "Sports calendar," 10 July 2018 He was eventually accepted into the academy himself. 2. — Katherine Fominykh, baltimoresun.com, "Five things to know about Riverdale's tennis phenom, Frances Tiafoe," 7 July 2018 The cadets also managed to secure the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy — awarded annually to the winner of a three-game series among the service academies — for the first time since 1996. — Matt Murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Army on verge of third straight winning season, Black Knights No. 55 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'academy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for academy

in sense 2, borrowed from Latin Acadēmīa, borrowed from Greek Akadḗmeia, Akadēmía, from the name of the gymnasium near Athens where Plato taught, from Akádēmos, Attic mythological hero + -eia or -ia -y entry 2; in senses 1, 3, and 4 borrowed from French, Italian, & New Latin; French académie, borrowed from Italian & New Latin; Italian accademia, borrowed from New Latin academia, going back to Latin Acadēmīa