ivory tower
noun
1
: an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems
2
: a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude
especially
: a place of learning
Examples of ivory tower in a Sentence
The book was written by some college professor who's spent her entire professional life in an ivory tower.
Recent Examples on the Web
So, a bunch of college professors sitting in their ivory tower, twiddling their thumbs, come up with these weird terms.
—
David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Like Lionel Trilling before him, Ellmann leaned out of the ivory tower and gained stature within it as departments of literature were specializing.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Seen through the lens of our volatile political climate these days, this all hits a little too close to home, and the guys’ blasé attitude to seeing widespread death and suffering from their ivory tower just gives off a foul stench.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 June 2025
However, the emphasis is less on any ultimate hookup than on how the distinct pressures of the ivory tower can torment and even destroy its inhabitants.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ivory tower
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.
David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Like Lionel Trilling before him, Ellmann leaned out of the ivory tower and gained stature within it as departments of literature were specializing.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Seen through the lens of our volatile political climate these days, this all hits a little too close to home, and the guys’ blasé attitude to seeing widespread death and suffering from their ivory tower just gives off a foul stench.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 June 2025
However, the emphasis is less on any ultimate hookup than on how the distinct pressures of the ivory tower can torment and even destroy its inhabitants.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ivory tower
Cite this Entry
“Ivory tower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ivory%20tower. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share