conservatory

noun

con·​ser·​va·​to·​ry kən-ˈsər-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

plural conservatories

1

: a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants

2

: a school specializing in one of the fine arts

a music conservatory

Synonyms

• glasshouse [chiefly British]
• greenhouse
• hothouse

Examples of conservatory in a Sentence

the Peabody Conservatory of Music

the college's conservatory is entirely devoted to cultivating and displaying orchids

Recent Examples on the Web

At the time, the conservatory’s curriculum was focused solely on Russian and European composers — popular Cuban music was looked down upon and prohibited to play. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

National Institute of Dramatic Art Kensington, Australia The drama conservatory has produced such stellar alumni as Cate Blanchett, Baz Luhrmann and Sarah Snook. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2024

The conservatory leads to an outdoor deck large enough for entertaining that is nestled beneath a magnolia tree. —Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024

With that in mind, the conservatory has found ways to increase financial assistance for students who need it for conservatory programs. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin conservātōrium "something that preserves" (Medieval Latin, "fish pond"), from Latin conservāre "to save or keep from danger, preserve" + -tōrium, suffix of places (from neuter of -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor); (sense 2) after Italian conservatorio, originally denoting a home for foundlings and orphans who were given a musical education — more at conserve entry 1

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

conservatory

noun

con·​ser·​va·​to·​ry kən-ˈsər-və-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

plural conservatories

1

: a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants

2

: a place of instruction in some special study (as music)