grammar school

noun

1. an elementary school.

2. British.,  a secondary school corresponding to a U.S. high school.

3. (formerly) a secondary school in which Latin and Greek are among the principal subjects taught.

grammar school

noun

1. (esp formerly) a state-maintained secondary school providing an education with an academic bias for children who are selected by the eleven-plus examination, teachers' reports, or other means Compare secondary modern school comprehensive school

2. another term for elementary school

3. a private school, esp one controlled by a church

4. a secondary school forming part of the public education system

Word History and Origins

Origin of grammar school¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Foodstock said private tuition doubled the likelihood of attending a grammar school, but disadvantaged children were less able to finance it.

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“There were books when my daughters were in grammar school and high school that stated we were extinct,” said Art Morales, an elder and historian in the tribe.

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Born in Stepney, east London, to working-class parents on 22 July 1938, Stamp attended grammar school before pursuing a career in advertising.

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Fifteen-year old grammar school boy Sumner couldn't believe what he was seeing, later describing how he "lay in my bed that night with my ears ringing and my world view significantly altered".

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Educated at a grammar school in Watford, Barrell was a professional rugby player with Saracens before becoming the club's academy director and, until last year, the RFU's head of performance programmes and pathways.

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Related Words

• grade school 
• primary school