Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

aquarium

noun aquar·i·um \ ə-ˈkwer-ē-əm \
|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of aquarium

plural aquariums or aquaria \-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

See aquarium defined for English-language learners

See aquarium defined for kids

Recent Examples of aquarium from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of aquarium

probably alteration of aquatic vivarium

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

AQUARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

aquarium

noun

Definition of aquarium for English Language Learners

  • : a glass or plastic container in which fish and other water animals and plants can live

  • : a building people can visit to see water animals and plants

AQUARIUM Defined for Kids

aquarium

noun aquar·i·um \ ə-ˈkwer-ē-əm \

Definition of aquarium for Students

1 : a container (as a tank or bowl) in which fish and other water animals and plants can live
2 : a building in which water animals or water plants are exhibited

Learn More about aquarium

  1. See words that rhyme with aquarium Spanish Central: Translation of aquarium Nglish: Translation of aquarium for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of aquarium for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aquarium

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up aquarium? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

play

widely and unfavorably known

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

aquarium

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games