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

Example Sentences

He paid a waste disposal company to take away the pond lining sheet as well as hairdressing equipment from the conservatory.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

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

It’s 1917 when Lionel, a singing prodigy with a shy, polite bearing, meets charismatic amateur music historian David at a conservatory in Boston.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025

Ms Ayling said Mr Perks was woken by the defendant breaking in through the conservatory and initially mistook the defendant for his son.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2025

Peter Heilman, my trombonist friend from conservatory camp, he died two years ago, but I didn’t find out until I returned to camp and he wasn’t there.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman