conservatory

noun

con·​ser·​va·​to·​ry kən-ˈsər-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

plural conservatories

1

: a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants

2

: a school specializing in one of the fine arts

a music conservatory

Synonyms

• glasshouse [chiefly British]
• greenhouse
• hothouse

Examples of conservatory in a Sentence

the Peabody Conservatory of Music

the college's conservatory is entirely devoted to cultivating and displaying orchids

Recent Examples on the Web

Top picks in the Carolinas: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont, NC): This indoor conservatory is a haven for plant lovers seeking a peaceful retreat. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025

In 1996, the International Art Center Atheneum turned the building into a conservatory called the Odeon Atheneum, which became the site of the International Grand Prix de Maria Callas competition. —Eleni N. Gage, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2024

The conservatory will serve 25 students for its 2025 summer camp and is currently working with 23 students in the after-school program. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Dec. 2024

Biltmore's conservatory During a late-night stroll with Jack, Lucy is seen walking in front of Biltmore's conservatory, which includes poinsettias and numerous exotic orchids during Christmas. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin conservātōrium "something that preserves" (Medieval Latin, "fish pond"), from Latin conservāre "to save or keep from danger, preserve" + -tōrium, suffix of places (from neuter of -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor); (sense 2) after Italian conservatorio, originally denoting a home for foundlings and orphans who were given a musical education — more at conserve entry 1

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

conservatory

noun

con·​ser·​va·​to·​ry kən-ˈsər-və-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

plural conservatories

1

: a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants

2

: a place of instruction in some special study (as music)