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

Children who were enrolled in a Texas public school or charter school for at least 90% of the prior school year will be prioritized within this group. —CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

Certainly, paying tuition for a Catholic education while paying taxes for public schools is a factor for parents when deciding which school their students should attend. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

So, will more Memphis area public schools see a 9th snow day in a row? —Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 4 Feb. 2026

All participants were public school teachers, administrators or members of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System at the start of the study and ranged in age from 38 to 67. —Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 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