# schoolmaster

/ˈskuɫˌmæstɝ/ (US) · /skˈuːlmɑːstɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/schoolmaster
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a male teacher in a school, especially one who is in charge of a class or a school. This word is much less common today and sounds a bit old-fashioned.

For teachers: a male teacher or head of a school, particularly in a British or historical context. Often carries a slightly formal or archaic tone in modern usage.

## Examples

- The schoolmaster stood at the front of the classroom.
- In the nineteenth century, the schoolmaster was often the most respected figure in a small rural village.
- The novel depicts the stern schoolmaster as a figure of both fear and quiet admiration, whose rigid discipline was seen as necessary for the moral development of the students.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.