finishing school

noun

1. a private school, usually at the high school or junior college level, that teaches young women social graces and prepares them for life in society.

finishing school

noun

1. a private school for girls that prepares them for society by teaching social graces and accomplishments

Word History and Origins

Origin of finishing school¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

"I dreamed of finishing school and becoming a doctor," said the eldest of five siblings who, according to the law, should be in school until the age of 16.

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In Year 2, on the other hand, Betts has graduated to something of a finishing school.

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“But there’s finishing school. That’s something that we were prepared for. I know it’s harder for him to embrace not having complete success, but this is a tough league.”

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And it served as a finishing school for a skill that would be crucial in his undercover years.

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After finishing school in 2008, he moved to a college in Chandigarh, quickly immersing himself in student politics in the city.

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Related Words

• boarding school 
• institute 
• prep school 
• secondary school 
• seminary