Schoolgirl

[ˈskuːlɡɜːrl]

nounBeginnerCommonAcademic

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A young female student, typically of primary or secondary school age.

[ˈskuːlɡɜːrl]

nounneutralBeginner
Academic

A young female student.

The schoolgirl practiced her piano lessons after school.

💡 Simply: Imagine a girl in elementary or high school, going to class and learning. She's a schoolgirl! Like, your friend Sarah going to her classes.

👶 For kids: A girl who goes to school to learn.

More Examples

2

A group of schoolgirls were giggling in the hallway.

3

The teacher asked the schoolgirl to stay after class to review her work.

How It's Used

General

"The schoolgirl carried her books to class."

Literature

"The novel portrayed the life of a schoolgirl in the 19th century."

2

A young, inexperienced female, often used to describe someone viewed as naive or innocent.

[ˈskuːlɡɜːrl]

nounneutralmedium
General

A young female student, especially one who is considered innocent or naive.

He reminisced about his first crush, remembering her as the schoolgirl who had captured his heart.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, a 'schoolgirl' can describe a young woman who seems a bit innocent, like she hasn't experienced much of the world yet. It's like seeing a young, fresh face.

👶 For kids: A girl who hasn't seen much of the world yet; a bit like a young, innocent learner.

More Examples

2

The novel contrasts the schoolgirl’s sheltered upbringing with the harsh realities of the city.

3

She still carried a schoolgirl's idealism about the world.

How It's Used

Fiction

"She was a schoolgirl in her innocence, unaware of the world's complexities."

Informal

"He still sees her as the naive schoolgirl he first met."

Tip:Think of the 'schoolgirl' aspect as representing someone young and possibly lacking worldliness.

Idioms & expressions

Schoolgirl crush

A romantic crush that is typically short-lived and associated with teenage infatuation.

"She had a schoolgirl crush on the lead singer of the band."

From "school" + "girl". The term has been used to describe young girls attending school since at least the 18th century. It likely arose due to the distinction between girls who attended school and those who did not.

The term 'schoolgirl' has been used since the late 18th century, often in literature and social commentary to describe young female students. The usage highlights societal perceptions of girls and education throughout history.

Memory tip

Think of a girl at school with a backpack and books.

school girlschool-girlschoolgirls

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written