preschool

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül How to pronounce preschool (audio)
(ˌ)prē-ˈskül
Synonyms of preschoolnext
: of, relating to, or constituting the period in a child's life that ordinarily precedes attendance at elementary school

preschool

2 of 2

noun

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül How to pronounce preschool (audio)
: a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : nursery school

Synonyms of preschool

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Noun

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Examples of preschool in a Sentence

Noun children excited about starting preschool
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.
Adjective
Johnson, the study co-author, described the results as a multiplier effect, in which each educational investment — preschool, TK attendance and higher spending at schools — adds value to the next step. — Emily Woodruff, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Theatergoers had to use the restrooms at the preschool next door. — Rudi Greenberg, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
The new study — published by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Learning Policy Institute — indicates that preschool and TK can help close that gap. — Emily Woodruff, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The Randall Oak Zoo preschool was another program in which fees may need to go up. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preschool

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preschool was in 1914

Rhymes for preschool

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Browse Nearby Words

preschedule
preschool
preschooler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

preschool

1 of 2 adjective
pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül How to pronounce preschool (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the period in a child's life to the age of five or six that ordinarily precedes attendance at school

preschool

2 of 2 noun
: a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : nursery school
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