English Reference
noun · verb

museum

n. · v.
US /ˈmjuziəm/ UK /mjuːzˈiəm/ mu·se·um UK spelling museum's, museum's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a place where interesting and valuable objects are kept for people to see.

    n.a building or institution that houses and displays objects of cultural, historical, or scientific importance.

    Simple

    We spent the afternoon at the science museum looking at old planes.

    In context

    The national museum recently acquired a rare collection of medieval manuscripts that will be displayed in the new wing next spring.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to spend time visiting different museums as a hobby or tourist activity.

    v.to engage in the activity of visiting museums, typically for leisure or education.

    Simple

    We spent our entire weekend in London museuming until our feet hurt.

    In context

    After a morning of museuming through the city's historic district, the tourists were eager to find a quiet café for lunch.

    sightsee
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal

    v.to put an object into a museum collection to keep it safe.

    v.to archive or store an object within a museum setting for preservation.

    Simple

    The rare coins were museumed to ensure they would not be damaged by light.

    In context

    The decision to museum the artifacts was met with some local resistance from those who wished to keep the items in their original chapel.

Usage museum collections


From Latin mūsēum (“library, study”), from Ancient Greek Μουσεῖον (Mouseîon), shrine of the Muses (Μοῦσα (Moûsa)).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek Μουσεῖον
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated