School
/skuːl/
Definitions
4 meaningsAn institution designed for the teaching of pupils, typically at primary or secondary level.
/skuːl/
An institution for educating children and young people.
I go to school every day.
💡 Simply: It's like a building where kids go to learn about reading, writing, and other cool stuff! It's where you meet your friends, and you'll learn so much. Like, when you learn about dinosaurs or how to add and subtract!
👶 For kids: A place where kids go to learn things!
More Examples
The school has a large library.
She is the principal of the school.
How It's Used
"The children attend primary school."
"She made many friends at school."
A group of people sharing the same beliefs or principles; a sect.
/skuːl/
A group of people who share the same beliefs or follow the same principles.
He belongs to the same school of thought as his mentor.
💡 Simply: Think of it as a team of people who like to do things the same way or who all believe in the same things. Like, a 'school' of artists all painting with the same style!
👶 For kids: A group of people who think the same way.
More Examples
The artist's work is influenced by the Romantic school.
How It's Used
"He belongs to the Chicago school of economics."
"This painting belongs to the Impressionist school."
To educate or train (someone or something).
/skuːl/
To train or educate.
He schooled himself in ancient history.
💡 Simply: When you 'school' someone, you're teaching them how to do something, like how a coach trains a team. Imagine you 'school' your dog to sit. You're training them!
👶 For kids: To teach someone something.
More Examples
The experienced chef schooled the new apprentices.
How It's Used
"The new recruits were schooled in military tactics."
"The dog was schooled in obedience."
A group of fish swimming together.
/skuːl/
A large group of fish.
We watched a school of fish swim by.
💡 Simply: It's like a big team of fish swimming together in the ocean! Imagine a parade of fish.
👶 For kids: A bunch of fish swimming together.
More Examples
The fisherman caught a large school of tuna.
How It's Used
"A school of fish swam past the boat."
"The researchers studied the migratory patterns of a school of herring."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
back to school
The period of time when the school year begins, especially after a summer break.
"I'm so excited for back to school and seeing all my friends!"
old school
Traditional; adhering to established values or methods.
"He has an old-school approach to business."
school of hard knocks
Experience, especially in the form of difficult or unpleasant experiences, which teaches a person something.
"She learned a lot from the school of hard knocks, dealing with financial setbacks and professional challenges."
From Old English *scōl*, from Latin *schola*, from Greek *skholē* ('leisure, discussion, school'). Originally referring to a place of leisure and discussion, its meaning evolved to encompass formal education.
The word 'school' has been used in the context of education since the Middle Ages, evolving from the Latin 'schola'.
Memory tip
Think of a place where you go to learn and meet friends.
Word Origin
"leisure, discussion, school"