preschool

American  

[pree-skool, pree-skool] / ˈpriˈskul, ˈpriˌskul /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or intended for a child between infancy and school age.

   new methods of preschool education.

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noun

1. a school or nursery for preschool children.

preschool British  

/ priːˈskuːl /

adjective

1. 1. (of a child) under the age at which compulsory education begins

   2. (of services) for or relating to preschool children

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Etymology

Origin of preschool

First recorded in 1920–25; pre- + school ¹

Example Sentences

The Eaton fire tore through the historic Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center one year ago, destroying its synagogue, preschool and thousands of books.

From Los Angeles Times

The first nationwide randomized study of children enrolled in public Montessori preschools found that students showed stronger learning outcomes by the time they reached kindergarten.

From Science Daily

Yes, I’ve washed my husband’s feet when he couldn’t bend down, been the only parent at preschool dropoff and pickup, and advocated on Marty’s behalf to his health insurance with only a few choice expletives.

From Los Angeles Times

County’s local preschools are closing in areas where transitional kindergarten is thriving, disrupting an already fraught child-care system.

From Los Angeles Times

Universal preschool education was barely a fringe issue at the time, Austin said, but Reiner was more interested in social change than making political points.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• day-care center
• kindergarten