academy

noun

acad·​e·​my ə-ˈka-də-mē 

plural academies

1

a

: a school usually above the elementary level

especially : a private high school

b

: a high school or college in which special subjects or skills are taught

c

: higher education

—used with the

the functions of the academy in modern society

2

Academy

a

: the school for advanced education founded by Plato

b

: the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy

3

: a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature

4

: a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field

Did you know?

Our word academy comes from the Greek word Akademeia, the name of the park or grove outside of ancient Athens where the philosopher Plato taught his students. Just as schools and parks today are often named after famous persons, the Akademeia had been named in honor of a Greek hero, Akademos.

Synonyms of academy

• school

Examples of academy in a Sentence

an academy of the fine arts

Recent Examples on the Web

Trusty was a 15-year-old at the YSC academy just outside Philadelphia, a centre that develops young talents for the Union, the local MLS side, when he was set to be released. —Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 16 May 2026

However, most local league wrestlers earn modest salaries, and many struggle financially, pinning their hopes on academies and transfers abroad, while dreaming of the rare few who make it to the top. —ABC News, 16 May 2026

Unlike other nations, where pro clubs fund youth academies and scout aggressively in working-class communities, elite youth soccer in the United States has often required families to spend thousands of dollars annually on club fees, travel, coaching and tournaments. —Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Data from the report shows that undocumented students who attend newcomers academies in the United States on average perform lower on standardized tests, experience more mental health and behavioral issues and have lower post-secondary aspirations than those who attend mainstream campuses. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

in sense 2, borrowed from Latin Acadēmīa, borrowed from Greek Akadḗmeia, Akadēmía, from the name of the gymnasium near Athens where Plato taught, from Akádēmos, Attic mythological hero + -eia or -ia -y entry 2; in senses 1, 3, and 4 borrowed from French, Italian, & New Latin; French académie, borrowed from Italian & New Latin; Italian accademia, borrowed from New Latin academia, going back to Latin Acadēmīa

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

academy

noun

acad·​e·​my ə-ˈkad-ə-mē 

plural academies

1

a

: school entry 1 sense 1a

especially : a private high school

b

: an institution for training in special subjects or skills

military academy

2

: an organization of people specializing in knowledge in a particular subject

Etymology

Greek Akadēmeia, the grove outside Athens where Plato had his school

Word Origin

Our word academy comes from the Greek word Akadēmeia, the name of the park or grove outside of ancient Athens where the philosopher Plato taught his students. Just as schools and parks today are often named after famous persons, the Akadēmeia had been named in honor of a Greek hero, Akadēmos.