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

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

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

“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

At grammar school, Field joined the Young Conservatives.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2024

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

Lou went to Mass every Sunday, served as an altar boy, and attended BVM’s grammar school before moving on to Father Judge High School, which had three thousand students.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Related Words

• grade school
• primary school