VocabDictionary

seminary

/ˈsɛm.əˌnɛr.i/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A college or theological school that prepares students to become priests, ministers, or rabbis.

Example Sentences:
  • He spent three years studying theology at a Catholic seminary.
  • After graduating from the seminary, she was ordained as a minister.
2.noun

An institution for the education of women, historically often used in the names of private secondary schools for girls.

Example Sentences:
  • The historic estate once housed a prestigious female seminary in the 19th century.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “seminary”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'seminarium', meaning 'seedbed' or 'nursery', from 'semen' (seed). Originally used in English to describe a place where plants are grown from seed, the term evolved metaphorically in the 16th century to denote an institution where future priests, ministers, or rabbis are 'cultivated' and educated.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a **seminar** where you plant 'seeds' of knowledge, or a place where future clergy are sown like seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About “seminary

1. What is the meaning of “seminary” in English?

In English, seminary (noun) is defined as: “A college or theological school that prepares students to become priests, ministers, or rabbis.”.

2. How do you use “seminary” in a sentence?

He spent three years studying theology at a Catholic seminary.

3. What are English synonyms of “seminary”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “seminary”?

Derived from the Latin 'seminarium', meaning 'seedbed' or 'nursery', from 'semen' (seed). Originally used in English to describe a place where plants are grown from seed, the term evolved metaphorically in the 16th century to denote an institution where future priests, ministers, or rabbis are 'cultivated' and educated.