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 means all public schools are required to close, according to California Education Code 37220. — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026

The cost of living is generally less expensive in Toronto, thanks in part to lower home prices, socialized healthcare and good public schools, local founders say. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

More than 49,000 public schools participated as of the 2024-2025 school year, according to the Center for American Progress. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

New York City's public school students are scheduled return to the classroom next week. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 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