kindergarten

/ˈkɪndəɹˌɡɑːɹt(ə)n/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: kindergartens

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6; nursery school.

NounRegister: UK, US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The elementary school grade before first grade.

NounRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “kindergarten” mean?

An educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6; nursery school.

Is “kindergarten” formal or informal?

kindergarten is generally UK, US.