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

That drop has stabilized in recent years, according to the National Catholic Educational Association, as the pandemic brought broader shifts in enrollment away from traditional public schooling (though most kids still attend public schools). —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

The tax credits are off-limits to public school students, while the grants went predominantly to this group. —Audrey Dutton, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2025

Any board member who’s solely worried about re-election and winning a popularity contest with voters should step down and let others take their place who can make sound fiscal decisions, while striving to improve the education of all public school students. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2025

Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the U.S. which means government offices, public schools, and post offices typically remain open. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025

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