grammar school

American  

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.

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grammar school British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of grammar school

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

“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.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

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.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025

One school was a mixed grammar school in a predominantly white, middle-class rural area and another was a mixed comprehensive school in a predominantly white, working-class urban area.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024

“Overflow,” an usher posted outside the church doors said as we approached, jerking his thumb toward the rear parking lot where the grammar school was located.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2024

He was considered educated, having graduated from grammar school.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Related Words

• grade school
• primary school