pre-K

or pre-k

[ pree-key ]

noun

1. a school or class for three- or four-year-old children, before kindergarten:

   state-funded pre-K's.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pre-K¹

First recorded in 1965–70; pre- ( def ) + K ³( def ) (in the sense “kindergarten”)

Example Sentences

That would yield over $100 billion a year—money that could finance universal pre-K nationwide or build hundreds of thousands of desperately needed affordable housing units.

From Slate

In the last couple of years, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the state of California have affirmed their commitment to climate education for all students, pre-K through 12th grade.

From Los Angeles Times

De Blasio built a successful universal pre-K program, the first significant expansion of the city’s social safety net in decades.

From Slate

Each school would have pre-K, more than one teacher per grade, and music, art, and physical education teachers.

From Seattle Times

Criswell urged voters to reject the measure, claiming some parts, such as providing full-day pre-K programs for all students, were “communist in nature.”

From Salon

Related Words

• day-care center
• kindergarten