high school

American  

noun

1. a school attended after elementary school or junior high school and usually consisting of grades 9 or 10 through 12.

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high school British  

noun

1. another term for grammar school

2. a secondary school from grade 7 to grade 12

3. a secondary school, the grades covered depending on the province

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Other Word Forms

• high school adjective
• high schooler noun

Etymology

Origin of high school

First recorded in 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does high-school compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• secondary school vs. high school

Example Sentences

While Jobs is known for donning a black turtleneck, he also wore bow ties during high school and at Apple’s early events.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s a look at the top 10 high school basketball teams in the City Section:

From Los Angeles Times

David Greenwood, one of the best high school basketball players in Southern California history, will have his jersey retired on Friday night during a ceremony at his alma mater, Verbum Dei.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the student section was filled as if it were a Friday night because the state’s leading scorer in high school basketball, Jason Crowe Jr. of Inglewood, was making an appearance.

From Los Angeles Times

Rosita grew up with her family and graduated from high school in the same rural area – Chibuto – where she was born.

From BBC

Related Words

• secondary school