aquarium
uh-KWEHR-ee-yuhm
Aquarium (noun) means a glass tank for keeping fish or other water animals. Example: “He set up a small aquarium in his bedroom.”
noun
1
A glass tank for keeping fish or other water animals.
"He set up a small aquarium in his bedroom."
2
A building where fish and other aquatic animals are kept and displayed to the public.
"We spent the afternoon at the city aquarium."
How to use aquarium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tank or building for keeping and viewing fish and other water creatures.
Common pairings
home aquarium
visit the aquarium
saltwater aquarium
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Word forms
- Plural
- aquaria, aquariums
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He set up a small _____ in his bedroom.
Etymology
From Latin aquarium, "watering place," from aqua, "water" — likely popularised in English by the naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, blending "aquatic" and "vivarium."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for aquarium
See all rhymes for aquarium →Frequently asked questions
What does “aquarium” mean?
The word “aquarium” means a glass tank for keeping fish or other water animals. In plain terms, a tank or building for keeping and viewing fish and other water creatures.
How do you pronounce “aquarium”?
“Aquarium” is pronounced uh-KWEHR-ee-yuhm (/əˈkwɛɹ.i.jəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “aquarium” in a sentence?
Here is “aquarium” used in a sentence: “He set up a small aquarium in his bedroom.”
What part of speech is “aquarium”?
“Aquarium” is a noun.
Where does the word “aquarium” come from?
The word “aquarium” comes from Latin. From Latin aquarium, "watering place," from aqua, "water" — likely popularised in English by the naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, blending "aquatic" and "vivarium.".
Is “aquarium” a common word?
“Aquarium” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “aquarium” have?
“Aquarium” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a glass tank for keeping fish or other water animals.
What is the difference between an aquarium and a fish tank?
A fish tank typically refers to a smaller glass tank for keeping fish or other water animals, often in a home. An aquarium can mean the same kind of tank, but the word also refers to a larger building where fish and other aquatic animals are kept and displayed to the public. So 'aquarium' covers both personal tanks and public institutions, while 'fish tank' usually implies the smaller, home version.
What is the plural of aquarium?
The standard plural of aquarium is aquariums, though the Latin-style plural aquaria is also used, especially in more formal or scientific writing. Both forms are widely accepted in English.
Can aquarium refer to a place you visit, not just a tank?
Yes, aquarium can refer to a building where fish and other aquatic animals are kept and displayed to the public, such as a city aquarium that families visit. This public sense exists alongside the more common meaning of a glass tank for keeping fish at home.
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