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

Gannaway’s adviser, Unity Seay, helped her find jobs, tap a state program that pays community college tuition and weather rough patches—such as when juggling a full-time job with school almost pushed her to drop out.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Her accomplishments include leading a groundbreaking campaign to make the city’s community college tuition free.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Selivra spent part of his childhood in foster care and, as a teenager, was homeless and slept in his car for more than a year before enrolling in community college, he told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

She persevered and graduated from a high school special education program, then attempted community college.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

“Well,” I said, “that’s only until he flunks out of community college and comes right back!”

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley