menagerie

[məˈnædʒəri]

menagerie Definition

  • 1a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition
  • 2a varied mixture

Using menagerie: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "menagerie" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The zoo has a menagerie of exotic animals from around the world.

  • Example

    Her closet was a menagerie of different styles and colors.

  • Example

    The party guests were a menagerie of personalities and backgrounds.

menagerie Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for menagerie

Phrases with menagerie

  • a group of people with diverse or unusual characteristics, often used in a derogatory way

    Example

    The reality show featured a human menagerie of contestants with outrageous personalities.

  • a range of intense or conflicting emotions

    Example

    After the breakup, she experienced a menagerie of emotions, from anger to sadness to relief.

  • a menagerie of flavors

    a variety of different tastes or flavors

    Example

    The restaurant's menu offered a menagerie of flavors from around the world.

Origins of menagerie

from French 'ménagerie', from ménager 'to keep house', from Latin 'manēre' meaning 'to remain'

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Summary: menagerie in Brief

A 'menagerie' [məˈnædʒəri] is a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition or a varied mixture. It can refer to a literal collection of animals, as in 'The zoo has a menagerie of exotic animals,' or a figurative collection of things or people, as in 'Her closet was a menagerie of different styles and colors.' The term also extends into phrases like 'a menagerie of emotions,' denoting a range of intense feelings, and 'a menagerie of flavors,' referring to a variety of tastes.

How do native speakers use this expression?