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.
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
Dulce Valencia, the mother of a kindergartner at San Fernando Elementary School, said her son has been out sick twice in just the first few weeks of school.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025
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.
