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

My understanding is that there’s not a private school and then public school system like there is in America. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026

Geren is facing Democrat Michelle Winder, who is focused on supporting public schools, protecting water and the environment and expanding quality healthcare access, according to her campaign website. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Barrera defended the overall quality of public schools and advocated for expanding what works from successful campuses to those with poorer academic results. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

The program aims to introduce students in the Hilo-Waiākea public school system to astronomy as well as the incredible science that happens across Hawaii. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 4 Nov. 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