Menagerie Meaning and Definition
Menagerie
Pronunciation
/mɛnəˈdʒɛri/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A collection of wild or exotic animals, typically kept in a large enclosure, such as a zoo or a circus.
Examples
- The menagerie at the circus hosted a variety of rare and exotic animals.
- The zoo’s menagerie was home to a diverse range of species from around the world.
Synonyms
- Zoo
- Menology
Antonyms
- Domesticated
- Tamed
Etymology
The word “menagerie” comes from the Old French “menagier,” meaning “to manage” or “to govern,” and is derived from the Latin “manus,” meaning “hand.” It originally referred to a collection of animals managed or governed by a single person or group.
Usage Notes
The term “menagerie” is often used figuratively to describe a collection of diverse or unruly elements, such as a menagerie of ideas or a menagerie of emotions.
Cultural References
The term “menagerie” has been used in popular culture to describe everything from a collection of exotic animals to a group of eccentric people.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“A regular menagerie” is an idiomatic expression that means a chaotic or unruly situation.
Related Words or Phrases
- Zoological garden
- Wildlife sanctuary
Collocations
- Menagerie of animals
- Menagerie of thoughts
Frequency of Use
The word “menagerie” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but its usage is increasing due to its versatility and figurative applications.
Common Misspellings
- Gernerie
- Menagery