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

A new survey of public high school principals across the U.S. found widespread, heightened distress among students from immigrant families amid ICE raids.

From Los Angeles Times

Teens at high schools across the region walked out of their classes — some in solidarity with protesters and others to join the demonstrations themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Threatened with eviction by his fed-up family unless he takes an open slot teaching poetry at a high school, Oscar swallows his pride and takes the gig.

From Los Angeles Times

“My father was a steelworker at Bethlehem Steel. When he came out of high school, it was just about having a strong work ethic and a strong back,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

If you want to watch top pitching in high school baseball this season, stop by a Bay League game.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• secondary school