language arts
Americannoun
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(used with a plural verb) the skills, including reading, composition, speech, spelling, and grammar, taught in elementary and secondary schools to give students a thorough proficiency in using the language.
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(used with a singular verb) a core course of instruction in an elementary or secondary school where students develop these skills.
Etymology
Origin of language arts
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Never mind that only 48% of New York’s students in grades 3 through 8 are proficient in English language arts, and 57% in math.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026
If third-graders as a group combined for a score of zero, then third-graders, on average, would be scoring at grade level on the English language arts portion of the state’s standardized tests.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 15, 2026
Currently, high school students need 24 credits to graduate, and many of those credits are in core subjects such as language arts, social studies, math and science.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2024
About 40% of Chatsworth High students met or exceeded state standards in English language arts and literacy; about 23% in math.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2024
We have homework for the weekend, but it’s for language arts class, not math, so that’s disappointing.
From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty
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