museum

American  

[myoo-zee-uhm] / myuˈzi əm /

noun

1. a building or place where works of art, scientific specimens, or other objects of permanent value are kept and displayed.

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museum British  

/ mjuːˈzɪəm /

noun

1. a place or building where objects of historical, artistic, or scientific interest are exhibited, preserved, or studied

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Other Word Forms

• intermuseum adjective

Etymology

Origin of museum

1605–15; < Latin mūsēum place sacred to the Muses, building devoted to learning or the arts (referring especially to the scholarly institute founded in Alexandria about 280 b.c.) < Greek Mouseîon, equivalent to Moûs ( a ) Muse + -eion suffix of place

Example Sentences

The local museum in Barentsburg focuses on Russia’s centurieslong presence on the archipelago, which Moscow says predates even the European explorers credited with discovering the land in the late 16th century.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are other marvelous mummy portraits, of course, along with many that are less well done, approximately a thousand of them in museums and private collections in Egypt, Europe and the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

A trip to Paris calls for good eating, plenty of museum time and a touch or two of luxury.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 1962 Kertész headed to the Museum of Modern Art with 500 prints, answering an open call from John Szarkowski, the museum’s new director of photography, for portfolios by hopefuls seeking their big break.

From The Wall Street Journal

“From its world-class museums and historic landmarks to the generations of families who gather there, Exposition Park represents both the legacy and the future of the city.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• building
• foundation
• gallery
• hall
• institution
• library
• salon