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

Over the past two years, preschool to fifth grade teachers have participated in specialized professional development to build literacy skills and have delivered promising results, according to Guerin. —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025

On Monday, the streaming giant revealed the trailer for its first Sesame Street season — the 56th season overall of the iconic preschool series — which premieres in exactly one week. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025

Noun

While some programs have been boosted by local funds, over 8,000 children under the age of five are being impacted by the funding lapse as their preschools shut down along with the government. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025

From preschool to high school, here's how to talk to kids about voting to prepare them for a future of good citizenship. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Nov. 2025

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