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

As a Washington public school district and member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), Camas follows applicable state law and WIAA eligibility rules. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Charter schools are funded by taxpayers and authorized by states, but courts remain divided over whether they should be treated as public schools or private organizations. — Preston Green Iii, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Both candidates support investing more in education and acknowledged that many public schools rely on property taxes for most of their funding. — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

The Republican has long pushed to eliminate DEI policies and restrict LGBTQ+ student clubs across public school districts. — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 13 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