conservatory

[ kuhn-sur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural con·serv·a·to·ries.

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.

adjective

1. serving or adapted to conserve; preservative.

conservatory

/ kənˈsɜːvətrɪ /

noun

1. a greenhouse, esp one attached to a house
2. another word for conservatoire

adjective

1. preservative

Word History and Origins

Origin of conservatory¹

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

Example Sentences

I hadn’t wanted to go to a conservatory program or anything focused on one industry because I wanted a full college experience.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s because it gets steamy and hot inside the conservatory, Tam said, to the point that people actually walk outside for a little relief.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, the conservatory’s curriculum was focused solely on Russian and European composers — popular Cuban music was looked down upon and prohibited to play.

From Los Angeles Times

"I looked out - I could smell smoke... smoke from my neighbour's back garden, maybe the conservatory area."

From BBC

Even among conservatories, it is exceptional, with a wide age range — from preadolescence to post-baccalaureate adulthood — and a personalized approach, of schedules and repertoire, for musicians who live almost entirely for their art.

From New York Times