kindergarten

noun

kin·​der·​gar·​ten ˈkin-dər-ˌgär-tᵊn 

ˈkin-də-, 

-dᵊn

plural kindergartens

: a school or class for children usually from five to six years old

Examples of kindergarten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Queen of Martyrs served students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

These inequalities accumulate long before a child enters kindergarten and continue long after the school day ends. — Sonia Murrow, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Tears, clinging and nervousness are familiar scenes at kindergarten drop-off, and understanding kindergarten separation anxiety can make the difference between a bumpy morning and one that builds a child’s confidence. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

Even if your child is still upset at drop-off, these routines can help support the transition to kindergarten. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German, from Kinder children + Garten garden

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kindergarten

• carton
• garten
• marten
• parton
• spartan
• tartan

Kids Definition

kindergarten

noun

kin·​der·​gar·​ten ˈkin-də(r)-ˌgärt-ᵊn 

-ˌgärd-

: a school or class for very young children

Etymology

from German kindergarten "a school for very young children," from kinder "children" and garten "garden"