high school

American  

noun

1. a school attended after elementary school or junior high school and usually consisting of grades 9 or 10 through 12.

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high school British  

noun

1. another term for grammar school

2. a secondary school from grade 7 to grade 12

3. a secondary school, the grades covered depending on the province

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Other Word Forms

• high school adjective
• high schooler noun

Etymology

Origin of high school

First recorded in 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does high-school compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• secondary school vs. high school

Example Sentences

Miller not only works, but she also didn’t have kids until her 30s — well over a decade older than the high school kids who anger her by prioritizing prom and graduation over baby-making.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

That was until retired high school teacher Bill McFarland's curiosity got the better of him.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

On Saturday, the Royals posted the third-fastest national high school time ever.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

She was a more experienced writer who had no obvious reason to take an interest in someone who’d decided, against the advice of his high school English teacher, to do the same.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

We’re not even going to the same high school.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• secondary school