kindergartner

noun

kin·​der·​gart·​ner ˈkin-dər-ˌgärt-nər How to pronounce kindergartner (audio)
ˈkin-də-, 
-ˌgärd-
variants or less commonly kindergartener
ˈkin-dər-ˌgär-tə-nər How to pronounce kindergartner (audio)
ˈkin-də-, 
-də- How to pronounce kindergartner (audio)
Synonyms of kindergartnernext
1
: a child attending or of an age to attend kindergarten
2
: a teacher at a kindergarten

Examples of kindergartner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Tarrant County, the vaccination rate for the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine has dropped in the last year, from almost 94% of kindergartners vaccinated to almost 93% vaccinated. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 Back in 2015, CBS LA was at the first ceremony, where then-kindergartners received pre-acceptance letters to Cal State LA. — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 The data captures suspensions for pre-kindergartners who are enrolled in public school districts. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 On a recent September day, kindergartners at Terra Vista Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga were fitted with helmets and assigned a black-and-white balance bike. — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindergartner

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kindergartner was in 1868

Rhymes for kindergartner

See All Rhymes for kindergartner

Browse Nearby Words

kindergarten
kindergartner
Kinderhook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kindergartner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindergartner. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

kindergartner

noun
kin·​der·​gart·​ner ˈkin-der-ˌgärt-nər How to pronounce kindergartner (audio)
-ˌgärd-
: a kindergarten pupil

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