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

He said both his club coach and high school coach made it clear you can’t play club during the high school season.

From Los Angeles Times

And there’s a big mess that needs to be cleaned up in high school sports.

From Los Angeles Times

Her high school was bigger but had a name that didn’t sound very ambitious: Dinwiddie Training School.

From The Wall Street Journal

Who are the top teams to watch in City Section high school baseball and likely contenders to reach Dodger Stadium?

From Los Angeles Times

"This is somewhere where, from a very early age to high school, they systematically train both men's and women's players," he said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• secondary school