museum

noun

mu·​se·​um myu̇-ˈzē-əm 

: an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value

American Museum of Natural History

also : a place where objects are exhibited

an art museum

Synonyms of museum

• gallery
• exhibition

Examples of museum in a Sentence

a museum of natural history

a trip to the Museum of Natural History

Recent Examples on the Web

The museum holds artifacts from the times of Native Californian, Mission Era, and American settlements. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

The remains of a vast Roman summer house dating back to the 2nd century BC, unearthed by Getty along with African and Greek marbles and amphorae, have been kept as private museum in the basement which guests are free to stroll unaccompanied. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026

Other outings nearby include a botanical garden, interactive museums, and state parks. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026

Between the flattering V-neck design, subtle puff sleeves, and airy linen material made to keep you cool in the heat, this charming blouse will serve you for dinner reservations, museum strolls, ferry hopping, and more. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin Museum place for learned occupation, from Greek Mouseion, from neuter of Mouseios of the Muses, from Mousa

First Known Use

circa 1660, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing museum

• historical museum
• museum piece
• wax museum

Rhymes for museum

• athenaeum
• coliseum
• colosseum
• mausoleum
• mycelium
• corneum
• hordeum
• luteum
• lyceum
• endothelium
• periosteum
• peritoneum

Kids Definition

museum

noun

mu·​se·​um myu̇-ˈzē-əm 

: a building in which interesting and valuable things (as works of art or historical or scientific objects) are collected and shown to the public

Etymology

from Latin Museum "a place devoted to the Muses, a place for the study of special arts and sciences," from Greek Mouseion (same meaning), from Mouseios "of the Muses," from Mousa "Muse, goddess of an art or science" — related to music

Word Origin

The ancient Greeks worshipped nine sister goddesses, each of whom was called a Mousa. In English we now refer to them as the Muses. The Greeks believed that each Muse was the goddess of a particular art or science. A place that was dedicated to these goddesses—and to the arts and sciences for which they stood—was called a Mouseion. The Greek Mouseion became Museum in Latin, from which it was borrowed into English about 300 years ago.