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

Along with 62 other botanical gardens, arboretums, zoos and research institutions across the country, the Desert Botanical Garden specializes in rescuing the cactus and succulents. —John Leos, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Along with a grassy walled garden, an arboretum, the property has nearly three miles of lough frontage and shooting rights across a total of 3,000 acres. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025

The gardens combine to play host to more than 130 species of trees and shrubs as a certified arboretum. —Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Sep. 2025

Brian Heinz, director of horticulture for Spring Grove, says the arboretum currently lists a September Elm as an Ohio and National Champion. —Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 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