language arts

[ lang-gwij ahrts ]

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the skills, including reading, composition, speech, spelling, and grammar, taught in elementary and secondary schools to give students a thorough proficiency in using the language.
2. (used with a singular verb) a core course of instruction in an elementary or secondary school where students develop these skills. ELA ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of language arts¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In other words, the language arts and the number arts are, and always must be, the fundamentals of elementary education.

From Project Gutenberg