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summer school

American  

noun

summer schools plural
  1. study programs offered by a school, college, or university during the summer to those who wish to obtain their degrees more quickly, who must make up credits, or who wish to supplement their education.

  2. a school offering such programs.


summer school British  

noun

  1. a school, academic course, etc, held during the summer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of summer school

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

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.

All of sudden a solution was found to ensure the nursing support will be made available at each summer school.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

During summer school, Ruiz said, she was called into a classroom where kindergartners were repeating their parents’ worries — often, what parents heard on the news — but not understanding the gravity of the situation.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2025

Mountain rescuers are urging people to ensure they plan their adventures as they brace themselves for an influx of visitors during the summer school holidays.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

The superintendent said that summer school increased the graduation rate from 86% to 87% as seniors were able to complete required course work.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

She enrolled me in summer school and I got thrown out.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

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