curator
kyoor-RAY-tuh
Curator (noun) means someone who manages, organizes, and oversees a collection, such as at a museum, gallery, or archive. Example: “The museum's curator arranged the new dinosaur exhibit.”
noun
1
Someone who manages, organizes, and oversees a collection, such as at a museum, gallery, or archive.
"Renowned curator Jacques Saunière staggered through the vaulted archway of the museum's Grand Gallery."
— Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code (2003)
"The Club became like town meetings for the entire New York art scene, attracting dealers, collectors, uptown curators like Alfred Barr, critics, and just about any other culturati who could wrangle their way in."
— Tom Wolfe, The Painted Word (1975)
"The museum's curator arranged the new dinosaur exhibit."
"She works as a curator specializing in Renaissance art."
How to use curator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person responsible for selecting, caring for, and organizing a collection or exhibition.
Common pairings
museum curator
art curator
chief curator
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Word forms
- Plural
- curators
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The museum's _____ arranged the new dinosaur exhibit.
Etymology
From Latin curator, "one who takes care of something," from curare, "to take care of."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for curator
See all rhymes for curator →Frequently asked questions
What does “curator” mean?
The word “curator” means someone who manages, organizes, and oversees a collection, such as at a museum, gallery, or archive. In plain terms, a person responsible for selecting, caring for, and organizing a collection or exhibition.
How do you pronounce “curator”?
“Curator” is pronounced kyoor-RAY-tuh (/kjʊəˈɹeɪtə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “curator” in a sentence?
Here is “curator” used in a sentence: “The museum's curator arranged the new dinosaur exhibit.”
What part of speech is “curator”?
“Curator” is a noun.
Where does the word “curator” come from?
The word “curator” comes from Latin. From Latin curator, "one who takes care of something," from curare, "to take care of.".
Is “curator” a common word?
“Curator” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
What is the difference between a curator and an archivist?
A curator manages, organizes, and oversees a collection, often making decisions about what is displayed and how, such as at a museum or gallery. An archivist typically focuses more narrowly on preserving and cataloging records or documents rather than curating public exhibitions.
Can the word curator apply outside of museums?
Yes, curator is increasingly used for anyone who selects and organizes content on behalf of others, such as a "content curator" who compiles articles or a playlist curator who selects music. This extends the traditional museum sense to any role focused on thoughtful selection and organization.
What does a museum curator actually do?
A museum curator oversees a collection, deciding what pieces to acquire, how to display them, and how to preserve their condition and context. They often research the items in their care and write the information presented to visitors.
