classroom

American  

[klas-room, -room, klahs-] / ˈklæsˌrum, -ˌrʊm, ˈklɑs- /

noun

1. a room, as in a school or college, in which classes are held.

2. any place where one learns or gains experience.

   The sea is the sailor's classroom.

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classroom British  

/ -ˌrʊm, ˈklɑːsˌruːm /

noun

1. a room in which classes are conducted, esp in a school or college

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Usage

What does classroom mean? A classroom is traditionally a room in a school where a class is taught. The word classroom is commonly used to refer to such a room at every level of education, including elementary school, high school, and college. It can also be used in a more general way to refer to any space where students are being taught by a teacher. Some classrooms might not even be in a room—some schools have outdoor classrooms where students are taught outside, for example. The word is sometimes used in a figurative way to refer to the primary place where someone learns and gains experience outside of a formal educational setting, as in My grandfather didn’t have much formal schooling—the farm was his classroom. Example: I try to set up my classroom to be a space that allows each student to learn in their own way.

Etymology

Origin of classroom

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; class + room

Example Sentences

Banks said it could be "extremely disruptive" permitting every classroom departure that is requested but said "it's the only way".

From BBC • May 16, 2026

According to Child Bereavement UK, one in 29 - at least a child in every classroom - has lost a parent or sibling.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

What once functioned as supplemental classroom software has effectively become critical educational infrastructure.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

It gives us a chance to reflect on what we owe young Americans versus the importance of going for the absolute “best product” on the court or in the classroom.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Julio, a fourth grader who everyone said was “a natural athlete,” came into the classroom.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold