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

Tuition plus fees at four-year public schools, which were harder hit, jumped 35% over the same period. — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

These funds will flow directly to Poway and San Diego County, strengthening the local economy by supporting public schools, emergency services, municipal road improvements, and essential community programs for youth and special needs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

Texas public schools got their own report cards, and the results are in for more than 1,200 districts and 9,105 campuses across the state. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026

For many Afghan children, particularly in areas where access to public schools is limited, madrasas are among the only educational institutions available to them. — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 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