finishing school

American  

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.

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finishing school British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of finishing school

First recorded in 1830–40

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

finishing school

Amy Poehler and many others described “SNL” almost as a finishing school.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

At the time, Antonelli didn’t have a driver’s license and was still finishing school.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

Many survivors treated in childhood or young adulthood are working toward finishing school, launching careers, gaining independence, or starting families.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 2, 2026

Soon after finishing school, he started working as a bus conductor.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

She touched my neck, and it was hung so heavy with jewels that it took all my finishing school training to keep my head up.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

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Related Words

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

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