Sunday school

American  

noun

1. a school, now usually in connection with a church, for religious instruction on Sunday.

2. the members of such a school.

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Sunday school British  

noun

1. 1. a school for the religious instruction of children on Sundays, usually held in a church hall and formerly also providing secular education

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Sunday-school outing

2. the members of such a school

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Etymology

Origin of Sunday school

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

But for those who can supplement “On the Altar” with their own awareness of sacrifice, whether from Sunday school or Top 40 playlists, their encounter with this formidable book will be richly rewarded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

Mencken recalled it as a favorite of Sunday school kids in his boyhood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

“They did scouts together, Sunday school together, played soccer for the same club, almost in the same positions. They were inseparable.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

A Baptist Sunday school teacher, Carter was among the first presidential candidates to embrace the label of born-again Christian.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2024

In Sunday school I tried hard not to see Miss Zeldy in my mind.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney