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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of preschool

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

Example Sentences

“Kids in the preschool and kindergarten years really benefit from hands-on play and tactile learning experiences,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

"I poked my head into the hallway. Saw smoke, saw staff running, and instincts kicked in," Plotkin told AFP near the Temple Israel synagogue, which houses a preschool that was in session.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Waiting across the street, Stern said she saw anxious parents and grandparents arriving to make sure their children at the preschool were safe.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

I was born in Tehran and immigrated to Canada when I was in preschool.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

First steps in music for preschool and beyond : The curriculum.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• day-care center
• kindergarten