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Definition of school

school

/skuːl/
school

Plural:schools
•
Past Simple:schooled
•
Past Participle:schooled
•
Present Participle:schooling
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school Lexical Profile

school Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An institution for the education of children, or the buildings, students, and staff associated with it.

Example

"The new secondary school in the district offers advanced courses in science and mathematics."


2

A large group of fish or aquatic animals swimming together in a coordinated manner.

Example

"A massive school of herring swam near the surface, attracting a flock of hungry seagulls."


3

A group of people, such as artists, philosophers, or scientists, who share a common style, philosophy, or method.

Example

"The neoclassical school of economics emphasizes the role of supply and demand in determining market prices."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To educate, train, or instruct someone in a specific skill or discipline.

Example

"She was rigorously schooled in classical music from a very young age."


2

To discipline, firmly correct, or thoroughly defeat someone by demonstrating superior knowledge or skill.

Example

"The veteran player schooled the rookie on the complex defensive strategies of the game."


3

To form a large group or shoal (specifically regarding fish or other aquatic animals).

Example

"Certain species of tropical fish will school tightly together to confuse potential predators."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for school

Word Origin & Etymology

The educational sense derives from Old English 'scōl', via Latin 'schola' and Greek 'scholē' (leisure, philosophy, lecture place). The sense meaning a group of fish comes from a completely different root, Middle Dutch 'schole' (multitude or troop).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of School. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/school
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