School: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for basic or primary education institutions for children and teenagers. This is the most general term for places where young people receive education.

• She walks to school every morning.
• The school has a large playground.

A formal term that can refer to any place where education is provided, encompassing schools, colleges, universities, and academies.

• All educational institutions must follow safety protocols.
• The conference was held at one of the city's major educational institutions.

Refers to specialized institutions focused on specific subjects or skills, often at a higher education level or with a focus on excellence and advanced study.

• He attended a military academy.
• The science academy offers advanced research programs.

Used for higher education institutions that provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and engage in extensive research activities.

• She plans to attend university to study medicine.
• The university has a world-renowned physics department.

Typically used for higher education institutions that offer undergraduate programs. In some countries, it can also refer to secondary education or specialized post-secondary institutions.

• She graduated from college with a degree in biology.
• He got a scholarship to an engineering college.

Refers to an educational institution where students learn subjects. It's also used when referring to a group of aquatic animals, especially fish, moving together.

• She goes to school every day to study mathematics and science
• A large school of fish swam past the reef

Specifically means a large group of fish swimming together. Less common in everyday usage compared to 'school.'

• We saw a shoal of herring gliding through the water
• Divers stumbled upon a shoal of colorful tropical fish

Often refers to a large number of insects, especially bees, moving together. It can also describe a large number of people or things moving together, but this usage can carry a slightly chaotic or overwhelming connotation.

• A swarm of bees surrounded the beekeeper
• After the concert, a swarm of people headed towards the subway station

Describes a number of people or things that are together or considered together. It's used in general contexts.

• A group of friends gathered at the park for a picnic
• The teacher divided the class into small groups for the project

Refers to an institution where education is provided to students. It can also denote the act of attending or the physical location.

• Tomorrow, Alice will start school
• The school was built in 1985

Used when referring to the process of teaching someone, especially in a more formal or comprehensive way.

• The program aims to educate young people about the dangers of smoking
• Parents have a responsibility to educate their children

General term for imparting knowledge, skills, or education to someone, which can occur in various settings beyond just a formal school environment.

• I will teach you how to play the piano
• He teaches math at the local high school

Involves providing detailed information or teaching someone how to do something in a specific manner.

• The coach will instruct the players on their new positions
• She instructed me on how to use the new software

Often used when the focus is on developing specific skills or behaviors through practice and instruction over time. This can be used in various contexts, including sports, work, or animals.

• They train service dogs to assist people with disabilities
• She trained for months to run the marathon