aquarium

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noun aquar·i·um \ ə-ˈkwer-ē-əm \

Definition of aquarium

plural aquariums or -ia \-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

There were fishing and hunting displays, opportunities to learn to cast a line and shoot a bow, speak to wildlife biologists and view live fish in super-sized aquariums.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: DNR hurts mission with State Fair cuts," 12 Aug. 2017
Simply plant basil or mint and watch the aquarium clean itself.

— taylor a puskaric, USA TODAY, "How to Get Your Kids Excited About Learning," 8 Aug. 2017
There is a Confederate memorial statue that stands directly in front of the old courthouse just blocks away from the aquarium where Snooty resided.

— breanna edwards, The Root, "Fla. Petition Calls for Confederate Monument to Be Replaced by Statue of Beloved Manatee, Because Why Not?," 25 July 2017
The meeting was one of the early sustainability meetings at what is now the aquarium's Seafood Watch.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Why Alaska's wild salmon season matters in New Orleans," 18 July 2017
Sunday morning’s class was the first of 10 planned by the aquarium through early September, when sightings of leopard sharks tend to dwindle sharply.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Brave snorkelers swim with leopard sharks in La Jolla," 16 July 2017
This year's parade featured a turtle in an aquarium and a foot-long reptile.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Fun Zone spices up Windmill City Festival," 16 July 2017
The aquarium said Howlett was on board a Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans response vessel and had just cut the whale loose when the accident occurred.

— patrick whittle, The Seattle Times, "Fisherman killed saving whale recalled as longtime advocate," 13 July 2017
Those with the zoo or aquarium or Florence wouldn't estimate how much business the ark and Creation Museum has thrown their way.

— scott wartman, Cincinnati.com, "Creationist parks still a potent draw for visitors and controversy," 7 July 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1847

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Other Animal Husbandry Terms

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

AQUARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

aquarium

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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

play

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

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

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aquarium

Definition of aquarium

Recent Examples of aquarium from the Web

Origin and Etymology of aquarium

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

AQUARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

aquarium

Definition of aquarium for English Language Learners

AQUARIUM Defined for Kids

aquarium

Definition of aquarium for Students

Learn More about aquarium

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aquarium

Definition of aquarium

From the M-W Editors

Recent Examples of aquarium from the Web

Origin and Etymology of aquarium

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

AQUARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

aquarium

Definition of aquarium for English Language Learners

AQUARIUM Defined for Kids

aquarium

Definition of aquarium for Students

Learn More about aquarium

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