tutelage

noun

tu·​te·​lage ˈtü-tə-lij 

ˈtyü-

1

a

: instruction especially of an individual

b

: a guiding influence

a business under the tutelage of a new director

2

: the state of being under a guardian or tutor

3

a

: an act or process of serving as guardian or protector : guardianship

b

: hegemony over a foreign territory : trusteeship sense 2

Did you know?

Tutelage comes from the Latin verb tueri, meaning "to look at" or "to guard." When it first appeared in English at the turn of the 17th century, this word was used mainly in the protective sense of tueri; writers would describe 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 typically refers to the cost of instruction but which originally referred to the protection, care, or custody by a parent or guardian over a child or ward.

Synonyms of tutelage

• teaching
• education
• schooling
• instruction

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

Syd started working on them all the way back in season one, under Carmy’s tutelage. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026

The belief is that whoever is brought in can flourish under Howe’s tutelage, but that may take time. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Águas said around six or seven players in the current squad had played under his tutelage and that things had changed quite a bit with the nation’s soccer federation. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

But the skating and skills drills, as well as meeting with nutritionists and sports psychologists, provide tutelage beyond the ice that should lead to success as their careers progress. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin tutela protection, guardian (from tutari to protect, frequentative of tueri to look at, guard) + English -age

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing tutelage

• under (someone's) tutelage
• under the tutelage of (someone)

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Kids Definition

tutelage

noun

tu·​te·​lage ˈt(y)üt-ə-lij 

1

: an act of guarding or protecting : guardianship

2

: instruction