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

The growth comes at a time when public school enrollment in South Florida has seen a sharp decline. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Those questions resurfaced this month after the incoming classes at the specialized high schools — eight competitive public schools that admit students based on the results of one test — were again not representative of the city’s racial diversity. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Chris Affleck graduated from Harvard, pursued a career as a public school teacher, and taught literacy classes in Mississippi, the obituary shared. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Chris backed her sons' acting careers Chris dedicated more than three decades as a public school teacher after earning a diploma from Harvard University and retired in 2008, her family added. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 July 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