aquarium

noun

aquar·​i·​um ə-ˈkwer-ē-əm How to pronounce aquarium (audio)
plural aquariums or aquaria ə-ˈkwer-ē-ə How to pronounce aquarium (audio)
1
: a container (such as a glass tank) or an artificial pond in which living aquatic animals or plants are kept
2
: an establishment where aquatic organisms are kept and exhibited

Examples of aquarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Highlights include a stone wet bar showcasing a 500-gallon saltwater aquarium, a cigar room, a den with a marble fireplace, a movie theater and separate quarters for a live-in housekeeper or other staff member. James McClain, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 Ferry service to Fort Fisher provides a fun all-in-one outing to the Fort Fisher historic site, aquarium, and beach. Tracey Minkin, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024 For now, the aquarium believes that Charlotte is likely reproducing asexually. Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2024 There are more than 20 African penguins at the aquarium, according to the institute. Makiya Seminera, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024 This aquarium store has over 10,000 sq. ft. with more than 425 aquariums of fish, corals and plants on display. 27. Samantha Sabin -, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Mermaid fans with more money in their budget can apply for the aquarium’s Mermaid School, a 90-minute experience that provides children and adults the chance to learn how to be a mermaid. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2024 And yet nature has found a way, the aquarium’s owner said: The stingray is pregnant with as many as four pups and could give birth in the next two weeks. Ben Finley, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2024 The aquarium's vet, Dr. Rob Jones, later confirmed that the stingray was growing three to four eggs. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aquarium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of aquatic vivarium

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aquarium was circa 1847

Dictionary Entries Near aquarium

Cite this Entry

“Aquarium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquarium. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aquarium

noun
aquar·​i·​um ə-ˈkwar-ē-əm How to pronounce aquarium (audio)
-ˈkwer-
plural aquariums or aquaria
-ē-ə
: a container (as a glass tank) in which living water animals or plants are kept
also : an establishment where collections of such animals or plants are kept and shown
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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