menagerie
What does "menagerie" mean?
A menagerie is a historical collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition. Imagine a grand, 18th-century royal estate where exotic creatures from across the globe are kept in ornate cages and enclosures; it is less of a modern, clinical zoo and more of a private, spectacular display of curiosities. In modern usage, the term is frequently applied metaphorically to describe a diverse, often chaotic or bizarre collection of people or things. You might describe a messy office or a group of eccentric houseguests as a "menagerie." It carries a slightly whimsical, old-fashioned, or dramatic flair compared to simply saying "collection."
"menagerie" in conversation
Describing a chaotic office
Have you seen the new interns?
Have you seen the new interns?
I have. It’s a total menagerie in there today.
I have. It’s a total menagerie in there today.
Used here to imply a chaotic mix of different personalities.
Visiting a hobbyist's home
I didn't know you kept so many reptiles!
I didn't know you kept so many reptiles!
Yeah, it’s a bit of a private menagerie, isn't it?
Yeah, it’s a bit of a private menagerie, isn't it?
Used to describe a large, varied collection of animals.
"menagerie" in a sentence
The circus owner kept a small menagerie of lions and tigers.
The circus owner kept a small menagerie of lions and tigers.
She lives in a menagerie of stray cats and wounded birds she has rescued.
She lives in a menagerie of stray cats and wounded birds she has rescued.
The political debate was a veritable menagerie of conflicting opinions and loud personalities.
The political debate was a veritable menagerie of conflicting opinions and loud personalities.
