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

The aquarium will perform at least one physical exam per year, and others if any additional checkups if needed. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Dec. 2025

Experience hands-on science exhibits and live science demonstrations, plus see amazing water wildlife in the aquarium, and get an education by taking in an immersive cinematic show at the IMAX theater. —Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 23 Dec. 2025

The offerings on Sentosa go on and on and include dolphin encounters, a skywalk, zip lines, an aquarium, and Universal Studios. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025

Heading to a science museum, aquarium, or history museum is a great way to spend a chilly day indoors without staying home. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 22 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