trade school

American  

noun

1. a high school giving instruction chiefly in the skilled trades.

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trade school British  

noun

1. a school or teaching unit organized by an industry or large company to provide trade training, apprentice education, and similar courses

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Etymology

Origin of trade school

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Funds in the account may be used for qualified higher-education expenses, including tuition at a college, university, trade school, vocational school or apprenticeship program.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

In 2024, he enrolled in a two-year program at a local trade school to become a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Students pay for trade school in a variety of ways.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

An American Staffing Assn. survey conducted by the Harris Poll and released in June found that 33% of U.S. adults would recommend to high school seniors that they attend vocational or trade school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

In 1951, I finished my trade school courses, and like clockwork, even though I wasn't a US citizen, my US Army draft notice arrived in the mail.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson