English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

schoolmaster

SKOOL-mas-tuhr

Schoolmaster (noun) means a male teacher, especially one in charge of a school or class. Example: “The schoolmaster rapped his desk for silence.”

noun
1
A male teacher, especially one in charge of a school or class.
"The schoolmaster rapped his desk for silence."
verb
1
To act like or work as a schoolmaster; to instruct in a strict, authoritative manner.
"He tends to schoolmaster his younger colleagues instead of just advising them."

How to use schoolmaster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn older, somewhat formal word for a male teacher, often one who is strict or authoritative.

When to use it

Now sounds old-fashioned; "teacher" or "headteacher" is the standard modern term.

Word forms

schoolmastered past tense, schoolmasters plural, schoolmasters singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “schoolmaster” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ rapped his desk for silence.

Etymology

From Middle English skolemayster, a compound of school and master.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for schoolmaster

See all rhymes for schoolmaster →

Frequently asked questions

What does “schoolmaster” mean?

The word “schoolmaster” means a male teacher, especially one in charge of a school or class. In plain terms, an older, somewhat formal word for a male teacher, often one who is strict or authoritative.

How do you pronounce “schoolmaster”?

“Schoolmaster” is pronounced SKOOL-mas-tuhr (/ˈskulˌmæstəɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “schoolmaster” in a sentence?

Here is “schoolmaster” used in a sentence: “The schoolmaster rapped his desk for silence.”

What part of speech is “schoolmaster”?

Depending on how it is used, “schoolmaster” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “schoolmaster” come from?

The word “schoolmaster” comes from Middle English. From Middle English skolemayster, a compound of school and master.

How many meanings does “schoolmaster” have?

“Schoolmaster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male teacher, especially one in charge of a school or class.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial