community college

American  

noun

1. a nonresidential junior college established to serve a specific community and typically supported in part by local government funds.

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community college British  

noun

1. another term for village college

2. a nonresidential college offering two-year courses of study

3. an adult education college with trade classes

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Etymology

Origin of community college

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

Somewhere between Rue and Cassie on the desperation scale sits Elle Fanning’s Margo Millet, an eager community college student whose money troubles start when she falls for one of the oldest tricks in the book.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

The revenue will also support a budget that provides free community college and invests in housing, she added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

I spent a year attending community college philosophy classes, and some of the best nights of my life have been spent standing outside a strip-mall GameStop.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

With his encouragement, I enrolled in community college.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

I don't want to stay here, I don’t want community college, and I don't want to live with Dad and Serena, even if they are the nicest.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman