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

Haider, 42, of Aurora, said voters in the district are concerned about affordability, funding public schools and ensuring safe communities. — David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Although the breach involves California's public school system, the people whose records were stolen may now live anywhere in the United States. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

School’s Chancellor Kamar Samuels held a moment of silence for the 11-year-old boy, who attended a Bronx public school, at an unrelated event Wednesday night. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Chicago is about to elect the president of the city's public school board for the first time ever. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 28 Oct. 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