primary school

American  

noun

1. a school usually covering the first three or four years of elementary school and sometimes kindergarten.

2. elementary school.

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primary school British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a school for children below the age of 11. It is usually divided into an infant and a junior section

2. (in the US and Canada) a school equivalent to the first three or four grades of elementary school, sometimes including a kindergarten

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Etymology

Origin of primary school

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

But new data suggests singing is a much less common occurrence throughout the rest of the school year, especially after pupils leave primary school.

From BBC

"She loved taking part in all types of singing and performing. I think she's been a born performer since she was in primary school."

From BBC

The primary school children who came to the party have been raised almost entirely on gas from the nearby plant.

From BBC

Umar picked up English after just four months in primary school, and started playing football at his local park.

From BBC

"The challenge for places at higher education starts in primary school and the encouragement to do languages," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• grade school
• grammar school