arboretum

noun

ar·​bo·​re·​tum ˌär-bə-ˈrē-təm How to pronounce arboretum (audio)
plural arboretums or arboreta ˌär-bə-ˈrē-tə How to pronounce arboretum (audio)
: a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes

Examples of arboretum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The arboretum is home to more than 3,000 trees, according to the Downtown Nashville Partnership. Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Around town, businesses became venues — a hair salon, the local arboretum, coffee shops, clothing stores and more —for a myriad of performers and bands. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 21 June 2025 In Tennessee, arboretums are certified by the Tennessee Urban Forest Council. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 23 May 2025 The Geranium Society meets once a month at the arboretum and welcomes anyone who would like to join. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for arboretum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, plantation of trees, from arbor

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arboretum was in 1796

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Cite this Entry

“Arboretum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arboretum. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

arboretum

noun
ar·​bo·​re·​tum ˌär-bə-ˈrēt-əm How to pronounce arboretum (audio)
plural arboretums or arboreta -ˈrēt-ə How to pronounce arboretum (audio)
: a place where trees and plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes

More from Merriam-Webster on arboretum

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