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

Authorities want the bill -- which also provides for a ban on mobile phones in high schools -- to be enforced from September.

From Barron's

“We’ve had such an enduring friendship after being high school sweethearts. It’s kind of nice.”

From Los Angeles Times

The multiple Emmy winner will pick up with a time jump and its characters living as young adults, five years after high school, and things look completely out of control.

From MarketWatch

This year she brought me along, so I could get to know the town before I start at the Mount, the Native boarding school for kids from villages too small to have a high school.

From Literature

“And the best part is that it’ll allow me to earn a credit or two toward my BA before I even finish high school.”

From Literature

Related Words

• secondary school