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

Teachers work longer hours, too, and are often less experienced than their traditional public school counterparts. — Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026

The ed-tech that has swallowed our public schools is overwhelmingly driven by private capital, and Amplify is just one example. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026

The records, which contained academic and disability information for 1,849 public school students, were sent to Scott Larson in late October. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026

Families of students with disabilities at non-public schools across Chicago are being warned that the funding for their special education services is about to dry up. — Megan De Mar, CBS News, 11 Nov. 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