noun Uncommon

kindergarten

KIHN-duh-gahtn

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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.”

noun

A school or class for young children, typically aged around four to six, that comes before the first formal grade of primary school.

"My daughter starts kindergarten in September."

"The kindergarten classroom was full of colourful drawings."

"The children learn letters, songs and sharing at kindergarten before they move up to school."

How to use kindergarten

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe first year of formal schooling for young children, before grade one — or a nursery-style school for that age group.

UK vs US

Very common in American English as an official school grade; in the UK the equivalent stage is usually called "reception" or "nursery."

Common pairings

start kindergarten kindergarten teacher kindergarten class

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kindergartens, kindergärten

Test yourself on “kindergarten” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: German · First attested 1840

Class of 1840 kindergarten joined the language around 1840.

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Synonyms

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preschool reception

Related words

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Rhymes for kindergarten

marten Maarten smarten

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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Vocabulary lists that include kindergarten:

Words with German origins 12 letter words Words that start with K

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