ivory tower

noun

1

: an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems

2

: a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude

especially : a place of learning

ivory-tower

ˈī-v(ə-)rē-ˈtau̇(-ə)r 

adjective

ivory-towerish

ˈī-v(ə-)rē-ˈtau̇-(ə-)rish 

adjective

Examples of ivory tower in a Sentence

The book was written by some college professor who's spent her entire professional life in an ivory tower.

Recent Examples on the Web

The most successful leaders do not lead from ivory towers. —James Manso, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024

And soon she’ll be tucked away in an ivory tower with an immaculate, ceaseless view of the city — perhaps the cruelest of all fates at the end of The Penguin. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024

Sucks to come down from the ivory tower for a little accountability, huh? —Kaitlyn McGrath, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024

Apple’s community has to wait until Tim Cook and his team step down from their ivory tower to join the rest of the world. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

translation of French tour d'ivoire

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1