public school

noun

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

In a now-viral video shared to her TikTok, the creator and teacher explained why she's made the decision to homeschool her future children after working for a public school. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026

So far, there have been no reports of any public school closures, but some private schools have added their names to the list for Friday. —Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Every Floridian, and especially every public school parent, who cares about education and fundamental rights should, too. —Stephana Ferrell, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

Nearly 60% of Newark’s 40,000 public school students are Hispanic, many from immigrant families, said Rizzo, citing school district data. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for public school

• minuscule
• molecule
• overrule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• ridicule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule

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