academy

noun acad·e·my \ə-ˈka-də-mē\

: a school that provides training in special subjects or skills

: a private high school

: an organization of people who work to support art, science, or literature

plural acad·e·mies

Full Definition of ACADEMY

a : a school usually above the elementary level; especially : a private high school

b : a high school or college in which special subjects or skills are taught

c : higher education —used with the <the functions of the academy in modern society>

capitalized

a : the school for advanced education founded by Plato

b : the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy

: a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature

: a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field

See academy defined for English-language learners

See academy defined for kids

Origin of ACADEMY

Latin academia, from Greek Akadēmeia, from Akadēmeia, gymnasium where Plato taught, from Akadēmos Attic mythological hero

First Known Use: 1549

Related to ACADEMY

Synonyms: academe, school, seminary

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

ACADEMY Defined for Kids

academy

noun acad·e·my \ə-ˈka-də-mē\

plural acad·e·mies

Definition of ACADEMY for Kids

: a private high school

: a high school or college where special subjects are taught <a military academy>

: an organization which supports art, science, or literature

Word History of ACADEMY

In ancient Greece, a philosopher named Plato started a school at a public exercise field. The field and nearby groves of trees were named for a hero of Greek legend. The English word academy came from the name of the hero for whom Plato's school was named.