conservatory

American  

[kuhn-sur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / kənˈsɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

noun

plural

conservatories

1. a school giving instruction in one or more of the fine or dramatic arts; specifically, a school of music.

2. a greenhouse, usually attached to a dwelling, for growing and displaying plants.

3. Archaic. a place where things are preserved.

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adjective

1. serving or adapted to conserve; preservative.

conservatory British  

/ kənˈsɜːvətrɪ /

noun

1. a greenhouse, esp one attached to a house

2. another word for conservatoire

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adjective

1. preservative

Etymology

Origin of conservatory

1555–65; < Latin conservā ( re ) ( conserve ) + -tory ²; in the sense “music school” < French or Italian; conservatoire

Explanation

A conservatory is a place to grow. It could be one of those glass greenhouses where rare and delicate plants can thrive. Or it could be a place to grow your artistic talent — like a music conservatory. A conservatory can conserve more than just plants; it can conserve culture, too. And so we have the conservatory as a school for the fine arts, in particular ballet and classical music — often known by their fancy French title, conservatoire. The word comes from the Latin word conservare, meaning "to preserve."

Example Sentences

The seminar included a performance of the Korean composer’s 1988 “Contemplation,” for two violas, played with gripping meditative intensity by recent Colburn graduate, Lan Cao, and current conservatory student, Ran Tae.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Mr Owen had moved to Selkirk more than 20 years earlier from Saffron Walden, where he ran his own timber and conservatory companies.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2025

Libby Keck was distraught as she stood in the conservatory of her $42-million, treasure-filled Bel-Air mansion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2025

The duplex spans roughly 12,560 square feet and includes seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a library, conservatory, home theater, an in-unit elevator and two massive terraces.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2024

I just assumed the war would end and, in a seamless path, I'd go to conservatory and become a famous diva, like her.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper