-ory

1 of 2

noun suffix

1
: place of or for
observatory
2
: something that serves for
crematory

-ory

2 of 2

adjective suffix

1
: of, relating to, or characterized by
gustatory
2
: serving for, producing, or maintaining
justificatory

Word History

Etymology

Noun suffix

Latin -orium, from neuter of -orius, adjective suffix

Adjective suffix

Middle English -orie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin -orius

Dictionary Entries Near -ory

or what

-ory

oryct-

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Cite this Entry

“-ory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-ory. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

-ory

1 of 2 noun suffix
-o·​ry
ˌōr-ē,
ˌȯr-ē,
(ə-)rē
plural -ories
: place of or for
observatory

-ory

2 of 2 adjective suffix
: of, relating to, serving for, or characterized by
regulatory
Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -orius (adjective suffix)

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