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 Howard episode dramatically illustrates two seemingly contradictory facts about the 10 private and 10 public schools honored on Forbes’ first-ever ranking of America’s Top HBCUs. — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Following statewide legislation passed in 2025, Georgia’s public schools receive roughly $68,000 per school in state grants to spend on security measures, such as cameras, officers, crisis-response training or mental health support. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 31 July 2026

Newspapers are run by them, public school art and music programs rely on them, as do museums, symphonies, ballets and operas. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

But that law explicitly does not apply to public school teachers. — Holly McDede, ProPublica, 31 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