arboretum

noun

ar·​bo·​re·​tum ˌär-bə-ˈrē-təm 

plural arboretums or arboreta ˌär-bə-ˈrē-tə 

: 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

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for arboretum

• equisetum
• pennisetum
• decretum

Kids Definition

arboretum

noun

ar·​bo·​re·​tum ˌär-bə-ˈrēt-əm 

plural arboretums or arboreta -ˈrēt-ə 

: a place where trees and plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes