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.
Few of the kindergartners could sit still. — ABC News, 28 May 2026 Here are some other skills soon-to-be kindergartners should know. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Now, Davison will be sending her soon-to-be kindergartner to a private school. — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026 My new kindergartner especially is feeling all the big feels about school. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Kindergartner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindergartner. Accessed 8 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on kindergartner

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