Sunday school

American  

noun

1. a school, now usually in connection with a church, for religious instruction on Sunday.

2. the members of such a school.

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Sunday school British  

noun

1. 1. a school for the religious instruction of children on Sundays, usually held in a church hall and formerly also providing secular education

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Sunday-school outing

2. the members of such a school

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Etymology

Origin of Sunday school

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Mencken recalled it as a favorite of Sunday school kids in his boyhood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

The church had been small, he said, but it had met their needs; they had a kitchen in the basement, rooms for Sunday school, and a “fireside room” with a fireplace.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

She called her pastor, Keith Torney, and asked if the children in Sunday school could draw menorahs and display them in their windows in solidarity with their Jewish neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Elissa Bjeletich Davis, a former Protestant who now belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, is a Sunday school teacher and has her own podcast.

From BBC • May 24, 2025

I changed into my costume in the same room where I attended Sunday school.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover