noun

reformatory

rih-FAW-muh-tuh-ree

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Reformatory (noun) means an institution, historically, for housing and rehabilitating young offenders. Example: “He was sent to a reformatory at the age of fourteen.”

noun

An institution, historically, for housing and rehabilitating young offenders.

"He was sent to a reformatory at the age of fourteen."

adj

Intended to bring about reform.

"The new policies had a reformatory aim."

How to use reformatory

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old term for a juvenile detention facility meant to correct young offenders' behavior, or an adjective meaning "meant to reform."

Common pairings

reformatory school

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: reformatories
Comparative: more reformatory
Superlative: most reformatory

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He was sent to a _____ at the age of fourteen.

Synonyms

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reform school training school reformative

Rhymes for reformatory

Cory Tory gory dory Rory ivory glory story Amory theory memory priory

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Frequently asked questions

What does “reformatory” mean?

The word “reformatory” means an institution, historically, for housing and rehabilitating young offenders. In plain terms, an old term for a juvenile detention facility meant to correct young offenders' behavior, or an adjective meaning "meant to reform.".

How do you pronounce “reformatory”?

“Reformatory” is pronounced rih-FAW-muh-tuh-ree (/ɹəˈfɔɹməˌtɔɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “reformatory” in a sentence?

Here is “reformatory” used in a sentence: “He was sent to a reformatory at the age of fourteen.”

What part of speech is “reformatory”?

Depending on how it is used, “reformatory” can be a noun and an adjective.

How many meanings does “reformatory” have?

“Reformatory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an institution, historically, for housing and rehabilitating young offenders.