tutelage
noun
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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.
Examples of tutelage in a Sentence
Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Dead Poets Society starred Hawke as one of several boarding school students under the tutelage of a sensitive new English teacher, John Keating (Williams), who imbues his pupils with a newfound appreciation for poetry.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Ken LaChapelle has been coaching the Rams (6-1) for 50 years, with 407 of those victories coming under his tutelage.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Dern had to expand her repertoire and become accustomed to striking, constantly honing and improving under the tutelage of esteemed boxing coach Jason Parillo.
—Brian Martin, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tutelage
Cite this Entry
“Tutelage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tutelage. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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tutelage
noun
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