public school

noun

Synonyms of public schoolnext
1
: an endowed secondary boarding school in Great Britain offering a classical curriculum and preparation for the universities or public service
2
: a free tax-supported school controlled by a local governmental authority

Examples of public school in a Sentence

Both of their sons attend public school.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across the United States, different public schools have banned different books, with many of these bans taking aim at literature that affirms Black identity and culture. — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 The issue has historically been a tension point for Texas Republicans, facing opposition from some within the party, particularly among rural House members who have feared for their local public schools. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025 In an unprecedented move, our public schools handed out hundreds of thousands of devices to help more than 1 million students continue to safely learn online with their teachers and classmates. — Dr. Mitchell Katz, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025 Protests erupted in the Tennessee House of Representatives on Tuesday over legislation that would allow public schools to bar migrant children without legal status from receiving an education. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for public school

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of public school was in 1548

Rhymes for public school

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Browse Nearby Words

public school
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Cite this Entry

“Public school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20school. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

public school

noun
1
: a British private school that gives a liberal education and prepares students for the universities
2
: an elementary or secondary school supported by taxes and operated by a local government
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