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

All North Carolina students eligible to attend public school can apply for admission to charter schools. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025

Most countries around the world provide public school from age 3, and large subsidies for 0 to age 3 early care and education. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

During the last legislative session, lawmakers approved billions in funding for public schools, including for teacher pay raises. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025

Tennessee public school teachers and staff may see new state funding to implement wearable, silent panic buttons to communicate swiftly and clearly during emergencies. —Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 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