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

Monaca Maye Williamson, a long-time public school educator, was Adams’ sole challenger in this year’s primary. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026

She was elected to the Austin Independent School District board in 2012, then appointed board president in 2015 for her work in keeping the school open, along with every other public school in the district. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026

The bill would require that local districts alert the state Department of Education when children are withdrawn from public school. —Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026

Requiring public school systems to teach about firearm safety in physical education. —Eric Mandel, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 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