kindergarten
Kindergarten (noun) means a school or class for young children, typically aged around four to six, that comes before the first formal grade of primary school. Example: “My daughter starts kindergarten in September.”
How to Use Kindergarten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe first year of formal schooling for young children, before grade one — or a nursery-style school for that age group.
Very common in American English as an official school grade; in the UK the equivalent stage is usually called "reception" or "nursery."
Word Forms
kindergartens plural, kindergärten plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
My daughter starts _____ in September.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from German Kindergarten, literally "children's garden," coined by educator Friedrich Fröbel in 1840 to describe his new style of early-years school.
Rhymes for kindergarten
See all rhymes for kindergarten →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “kindergarten” mean?
The word “kindergarten” means a school or class for young children, typically aged around four to six, that comes before the first formal grade of primary school. In plain terms, the first year of formal schooling for young children, before grade one — or a nursery-style school for that age group.
How do you pronounce “kindergarten”?
“Kindergarten” is pronounced KIHN-duh-gahtn (/ˈkɪndəɹˌɡɑːɹt(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “kindergarten” in a sentence?
Here is “kindergarten” used in a sentence: “My daughter starts kindergarten in September.”
What part of speech is “kindergarten”?
“Kindergarten” is a noun.
Where does the word “kindergarten” come from?
The word “kindergarten” dates back to around 1840 and comes from German. Borrowed directly from German Kindergarten, literally "children's garden," coined by educator Friedrich Fröbel in 1840 to describe his new style of early-years school.
Is “kindergarten” a common word?
“Kindergarten” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between kindergarten and preschool?
Kindergarten is a school or class for young children, typically aged around four to six, that comes directly before the first formal grade of primary school. Preschool generally serves younger children and comes before kindergarten in the education sequence.
What age do children usually start kindergarten?
Children typically start kindergarten around age four to six, according to the standard definition of the term. The exact starting age can vary depending on the school system.
What comes after kindergarten?
Kindergarten comes before the first formal grade of primary school, so it is followed directly by first grade (or its local equivalent) once children move into primary education.
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