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

Unlike public schools, private schools in Arizona aren't required to take state assessments. —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Linda Davis, 52, was in her fourth year teaching special education in Savannah’s public schools and had a gift for connecting with students, her colleagues and family said. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Educating California’s nearly 6 million public school students is the state budget’s second largest expenditure, and one that has increased sharply during Gavin Newsom’s governorship. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

Taylor, a public school teacher of 15 years, said she is focused on ensuring public schools are transparent and meet strong accountability standards. —Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 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