coeducational

American  

[koh-ej-oo-key-shuh-nl] / ˌkoʊ ɛdʒ ʊˈkeɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. educating the sexes jointly at the same institution or in the same classes.

   a coeducational state college.

2. of or relating to coeducation.

   coeducational programs.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• coeducationalism
  noun
• coeducationally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of coeducational

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; co- + educational

Explanation

Use the adjective coeducational to describe something that includes or allows both boys and girls. A coeducational summer camp, for example, has both male and female campers. Schools that aren't coeducational are known as "single-sex." Many women's colleges have begun admitting men over the years, gradually becoming coeducational. The most common way to use the word is to abbreviate it as "coed" or "co-ed." The adjective coeducational has been around since the 1880's, which is around the same time that many United States colleges and universities, previously open only to men, started accepting female students.

Example Sentences

The coeducational California Military Institute in Perris is also a public middle and high school with military principles.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Southeast Academy in Norwalk is a public charter school offering a high school education with a military and law enforcement focus to a diverse and coeducational student body.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Officials at Vassar, which became coeducational in 1969, have issued several statements defending the college but have declined interview requests.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2023

Founded in 1950 to serve women, Marymount declared itself to be coeducational — enrolling men in degree programs — in 1987.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2023

That dormitory had once been coeducational, there were still urinals in one of the washrooms on our floor.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood