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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
ESL teacher
ESL classes
ESL students
teach ESL abroad
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She teaches _____ at the community college.
Etymology
An initialism of 'English as a Second Language'.
Synonyms
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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.
What is the meaning of ESL?
"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.
