-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

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)