middle school

American  

noun

1. a school intermediate between elementary school and high school, usually encompassing grades five or six through eight.

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middle school British  

noun

1. (in England and Wales) a school for children aged between 8 or 9 and 12 or 13 Compare first school

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Etymology

Origin of middle school

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

But Talarico, a former middle school teacher and seminarian, has energized Democrats, who hope that record-setting campaign fundraising could help flip the seat.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

The report said 70% of those students fell below middle school levels.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

"At elite sports schools, talented students were usually selected and trained from elementary or middle school."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The school eventually became secular, non-military, and co-ed, and you’d know it now as the Harvard-Westlake Schools, private middle school and college prep campuses.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

He went to a different middle school, but he’ll be in ninth grade at Oakview High with us next year.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• junior high
• secondary school