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

Cuervels was one of 64 new firefighters to graduate from the academy on Monday — 60 will continue into the Boston Fire Department and four to the Weymouth Fire Department. — J.d. Capelouto, BostonGlobe.com, "Proud family members celebrate graduation of most diverse Boston Fire Academy class in years," 9 July 2018 In Paterson, the Police Department has added officers — two dozen graduated from the academy in June — and updated its computer system. — New York Times, "A City Founded by Alexander Hamilton Sets the Stage for Its Next Act," 5 July 2018 President Trump’s decision to nominate him to be a Federal Reserve board member has triggered a remarkable cascade of derision and condescension from the political left and the poohbahs of the economics academy. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Steve Moore for the Fed," 28 Mar. 2019 The investigation interviewed 10 Burlington officers who attended the last three training classes at the academy, located in Pittsford, and heard similar stories. — Wilson Ring, The Seattle Times, "Officer sues Vermont Police Academy over head injuries," 7 Jan. 2019 McCain and Larson's friendship began at the academy, where McCain ranked near the bottom of the class of 1958. — Laurie Kellman, Fox News, "McCain to be buried near best friend at US Naval Academy," 27 Aug. 2018 Every year, the motion picture academy nominates five films in the original score category and for a few weeks, some notice is paid to the crucial role music plays in the best and most beloved movies. — Mary Mcnamara, latimes.com, "Review: At the Hollywood Bowl, 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' concert highlights the magic of the music," 6 July 2018 The exclusive cooking academy attracts chefs, restaurateurs and dedicated foodies from around the world. — Allen Pierleoni, sacbee, "'Estelle 2.0' culminates lifelong dream for Sacramento baker," 30 June 2018 In 2016-17 the academy was listed as having 22 students in grades 4-12. — Ann Doss Helms, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte private school was a front for foreign athletes to dodge ICE, feds say," 6 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