preschool

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül 

(ˌ)prē-ˈskül

: of, relating to, or constituting the period in a child's life that ordinarily precedes attendance at elementary school

preschool

2 of 2

noun

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül 

: a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : nursery school

Synonyms of preschool

Noun

• nursery

Examples of preschool in a Sentence

Noun

children excited about starting preschool

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This recognition is especially meaningful because the ranking examines the full educational cycle, looking at enrollment in preschool, graduation rates and national test scores in K–12 schools and graduation rates in higher education. — Jared Polis, Denver Post, 30 July 2026

Doll sales fell 36% from 2021 to 2025 while toddler and preschool toy sales dropped 15%, according to Circana data cited by the Journal, as Mattel pivots away from physical toys toward licensed entertainment. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Noun

Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez will offer instruction in both Spanish and English, starting with preschool through first-grade students this year. — Anna Alejo, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

In June 2026, Los Angeles approved a policy that eliminates in-school screen use for students in preschool through first grade. — Janice Mak, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preschool

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• pustule
• whirlpool
• boule

Kids Definition

preschool

1 of 2 adjective

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül 

: of, relating to, or being the period in a child's life to the age of five or six that ordinarily precedes attendance at school

preschool

2 of 2 noun

: a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : nursery school