kindergartner
AmericanEtymology
Origin of kindergartner
From the German word Kindergärtner, dating back to 1870–75. See kindergarten, -er 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“When you’re a kindergartner, especially depending on where you went to preschool, or because kindergarten is not mandatory in California, you can come to first grade and never have had any formal math,” Melvoin said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
Shiffrin’s never been shy about acknowledging performance anxiety—this is a champ who still shows up to races with the butterflies of a kindergartner on the first day of school.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
The first reporter sounded as panicked as possible and the government officials sounded like school teachers trying to calm down a kindergartner after they’ve soiled themselves in class.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2024
Was it a bit too scary for a kindergartner?
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 16, 2024
“Sometimes that’s for the best. Remember that kindergartner who wanted a bulldozer?”
From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
