academy
noun
acad·e·my
ə-ˈka-də-mē 
plural academies
1
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
2
capitalized
a
: the school for advanced education founded by Plato
b
: the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy
3
: a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature
4
: a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field
Did you know?
Our word academy comes from the Greek word Akademeia, the name of the park or grove outside of ancient Athens where the philosopher Plato taught his students. Just as schools and parks today are often named after famous persons, the Akademeia had been named in honor of a Greek hero, Akademos.
Examples of academy in a Sentence
an academy of the fine arts
Recent Examples on the Web
His focus is on the overall operation of the club from the academy to the second and first team to coordinating the club’s participation in preseason tours, Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup and other events.
—
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025
While the former is a collaboration with other students from the academy, the latter — a sweet, pop rock tune — spotlights 10-year-old Sasha on vocals and 12-year-old Milan strutting the drums.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025
Caraballo is a promising academy product who is likely a ways away from the first team, but his energy and coolheadedness are encouraging for a player his age.
—Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
Antony becomes United’s first departure of the winter transfer window, while the club would reluctantly consider the sales of academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford is also available.
—Sam Joseph, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
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Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025
While the former is a collaboration with other students from the academy, the latter — a sweet, pop rock tune — spotlights 10-year-old Sasha on vocals and 12-year-old Milan strutting the drums.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025
Caraballo is a promising academy product who is likely a ways away from the first team, but his energy and coolheadedness are encouraging for a player his age.
—Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
Antony becomes United’s first departure of the winter transfer window, while the club would reluctantly consider the sales of academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford is also available.
—Sam Joseph, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for academy
Dictionary Entries Near academy
Cite this Entry
“Academy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/academy. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
academy
noun
acad·e·my
ə-ˈkad-ə-mē
plural academies
1
a
: school entry 1 sense 1a
especially
: a private high school
b
: an institution for training in special subjects or skills
military academy
2
: an organization of people specializing in knowledge in a particular subject
Etymology
Greek Akadēmeia, the grove outside Athens where Plato had his school
Word Origin
Our word academy comes from the Greek word Akadēmeia, the name of the park or grove outside of ancient Athens where the philosopher Plato taught his students. Just as schools and parks today are often named after famous persons, the Akadēmeia had been named in honor of a Greek hero, Akadēmos.
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