noun

ESL

ee-es-EL

ESL (noun) means the teaching or learning of English by people whose first language is something else, especially while they are living in an English-speaking country. Example: “She teaches ESL at the community college.”

noun

The teaching or learning of English by people whose first language is something else, especially while they are living in an English-speaking country.

"She teaches ESL at the community college."

"He took ESL classes for two years after arriving in Toronto."

adjective

Relating to learners of English as an additional language, or to the materials and courses designed for them.

"The school runs an ESL programme for new arrivals."

"These are ESL students, so the reading list has been adapted."

How to Use ESL

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLearning or teaching English to people who grew up speaking another language.

When to use it

Standard in education; some institutions have moved to 'EAL' or 'English learner'.

Memory tip

Written in capitals without full stops, and used both as a noun and before another noun.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

EFL EAL ESOL → TESOL TEFL

Common pairings

ESL teacher ESL classes ESL students teach ESL abroad

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Etymology

An initialism of 'English as a Second Language'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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ESOL EFL TESOL

Related Words

ESOL

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ESL and EFL?

ESL describes learning English in a country where it is the everyday language, so learners hear it outside class. EFL, English as a Foreign Language, describes learning it in a country where English is not spoken day to day, such as studying English in Japan or Brazil.

What does TESOL mean, and how is it different from ESL?

ESL names the subject from the learner's side; TESOL, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, names the profession and the qualification a teacher holds. A TESOL certificate is what many schools ask for before hiring an ESL teacher.

Is 'ESL' still the preferred term?

Many schools now prefer 'English learner', 'EAL' (English as an Additional Language) or 'multilingual learner', because 'second' is inaccurate for students who already speak three or four languages. ESL remains widely understood, especially in the United States.

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