DictionaryseminaryHistorical private school
noun

seminary

A private school, historically often for girls.

The private seminary offers girls classes in literature, mathematics, and music.

Etymology

Latin seminarium means a seedbed or nursery. Educational institutions borrowed the image of a place where young minds are cultivated, including private schools for girls.

More examples

  • Her parents sent her to a girls' seminary for further schooling.
  • These nineteenth-century seminaries educated the daughters of wealthy families.
  • An old brochure lists French among the seminary's subjects.

Forms

seminary · seminaries

Similar words

academy
Can name a private school without the historical association with girls.
school
Names educational institutions generally, whether public or private.