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

While most of the hatched penguin chicks remain in Baltimore, the animals have also helped establish new colonies at zoos and aquariums in 35 states and Canada, the zoo's announcement states. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Known for world-class fishing, the vibrant coastal town is worth visiting for stunning public beaches, an active downtown with period architecture, and plenty of chances to get in touch with nature on a wildlife boat tour or aquarium visit. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025

While some of the chicks stay at the zoo in Baltimore, some have been sent to help establish new colonies at zoos and aquariums in 35 states and in Canada, according to zoo officials. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

See the aquarium bedecked in holiday lights sure to get you in the holiday sprit. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for aquarium

• herbarium
• ovarium
• puparium
• samarium
• zoarium
• armamentarium
• cerium
• honorarium
• planetarium
• sanitarium

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