aviary
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A large enclosure or building where birds are kept, especially for display or study.
Any structure, often elaborate or large-scale, designed specifically for housing and displaying live birds in captivity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a large-scale, often purpose-built structure for multiple birds; distinct from a small birdcage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference in meaning. The concept is the same.
Connotations
In both varieties, associated with zoos, parks, formal gardens, or ornithology.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
in + the aviaryat + the aviaryaviary + for + birdsaviary + with + birdsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used in context of tourism, zoo management, or construction of wildlife attractions.
Academic
Used in zoology, ornithology, and environmental design texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing visits to zoos, parks, or large private collections.
Technical
Specific term in zoo architecture, aviculture, and wildlife conservation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw many birds in the aviary.
- The zoo has a large walk-through aviary with colourful parrots.
- The new tropical aviary was designed to mimic the birds' natural rainforest habitat.
- Conservationists are debating the ethical implications of maintaining large public aviaries versus supporting in-situ habitat protection.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AVIAtion for biRds' -> AVIARY, a place where birds 'fly' in captivity.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER or BUILDING FOR LIVING THINGS (specific to birds).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'aviacija' (авиация).
- Более конкретно, чем 'вольер' (который может быть для любых животных).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation: /ˈæv.i.ə.ri/ (like 'have').
- Confusing spelling: 'aviery' (incorrect).
- Using for a single small birdcage.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an aviary?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An aviary is a large, often walk-in enclosure for multiple birds, while a birdcage is a small, portable container for one or a few pet birds.
Yes, but it's most commonly associated with decorative, exotic, or wild bird species rather than standard poultry or farm birds.
Yes, both derive from the Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird'. 'Aviary' is a place for birds, 'aviation' relates to the act of flying like a bird.
In American English, it is typically pronounced /ˈeɪ.vi.ˌɛr.i/, with the stress on the first syllable and a distinct 'air' sound in the last part.