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

By middle school, I moved to a more advanced acting class at the Pasadena Playhouse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

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

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

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Clark attended an elementary and a middle school in person at the district, but following the pandemic his family enrolled him online schooling full time, Canning said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

We leave the middle school building just as the second class-change bell rings behind us.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• junior high
• secondary school