Definition of TUTELAGE

Did You Know?

The Latin verb tuēri means "to look at" or "to guard." When "tutelage" first began appearing in print in the early 1600s, it was used mainly in the protective sense of "tuēri," as writers described serfs and peasants of earlier eras as being "under the tutelage of their lord." Over time, however, the word's meaning shifted away from guardianship and toward instruction. This pattern of meaning can also be seen in the related nouns "tutor" (which shifted from "a guardian" to "a private teacher") and "tuition" (which now refers to the act or profession of teaching or the cost of instruction but originally meant "protection, care, or custody especially as exercised by a parent or guardian over a child or ward").

Examples of tutelage in a Sentence

The company is relying on the tutelage of its new CEO to increase profits. a governess overseeing the tutelage of the family's children

Recent Examples on the Web

At the end of their visit, the couple listened to the school’s nine- and 10-year-olds show off their singing talents under the tutelage of the Aloud charity, which inspires kids to improve their lives through singing. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE.com, "Camilla Salutes 'Very Keen Readers' at Welsh School as She Reads Roald Dahl Poem," 4 July 2019 She had been hired by the powerhouse Boston public station as an engineer, but under the tutelage of veteran jazz broadcaster Eric Jackson, Berzon started putting together her own shows. — Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, "Bay Area jazz women ready to celebrate a radio icon in Berkeley," 2 July 2019 O'Brien went on to a stellar collegiate playing career and started his coaching career as a graduate assistant under the tutelage of Jimmy. — orlandosentinel.com, "Deaths in Central Florida: 6/25," 25 June 2019 Anderson trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago under the tutelage of LeRoy Neiman before working as an illustrator at the Chicago Tribune for 20 years. — Dennis Sullivan, Daily Southtown, "Popular Ridge Art Fair & Festival to feature 42 exhibitors showcasing original works in Beverly," 16 June 2019 Bridges is assured of receiving some top-notch coaching under the tutelage of longtime coach Terry Portice. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Flying L’s pitcher looking to build on strong freshmen performance," 13 June 2019 These trainees, brought together under the tutelage of Jean Grey would provide a sense of hope to the older generation of X-Men. — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "Who Can Play the X-Men Now?," 7 June 2019 The Frenchman played Isco in every single La Liga match following his re-appointment in March, with the midfielder even scoring in his first two appearances back under the tutelage of Zidane. — SI.com, "Real Madrid Will Listen to Offers for Isco as Spain Star Digs His Heels in Over Future," 4 June 2019 Thanks to Mari's tutelage, Wilson finally passes the test. — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Citizen': Film Review," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tutelage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.