Word
school
US/ˈskuɫ/
UK/skˈuːl/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a place where people go to learn from teachers. It can also mean the time you spend there or the group of people in the building.
n. an institution for the instruction of students, typically those in primary or secondary education. Also used to refer to the student body or the period of instruction.
Examples
“The children walk to school every morning.”
“After the summer holidays, the local school prepares to welcome a new group of students into the first grade.”
“While the physical school remains closed for renovations, the administration has moved all classes to a digital platform to ensure the curriculum stays on schedule for the upcoming exams.”
Examples
simple
“The children walk to school every morning.”
contextual
“After the summer holidays, the local school prepares to welcome a new group of students into the first grade.”
complex
“While the physical school remains closed for renovations, the administration has moved all classes to a digital platform to ensure the curriculum stays on schedule for the upcoming exams.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “school” in context.
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the institution or the activity of learning ('at school', 'go to school'); countable when referring to a specific building.
Pitfall
I am at the school now
I am at school now
When talking about being a student or attending classes, 'school' is used without an article.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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QR code
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