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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

finishing school

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

In recent years, Eintracht have earned a reputation as a finishing school for some of the world's best strikers.

From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2025

I told him I’d been at finishing school when Ella ran away, and I asked if he knew whether she was safe.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Related Words

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