community college

American  

noun

1. a nonresidential junior college established to serve a specific community and typically supported in part by local government funds.

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community college British  

noun

1. another term for village college

2. a nonresidential college offering two-year courses of study

3. an adult education college with trade classes

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Etymology

Origin of community college

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

With his encouragement, I enrolled in community college.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

“It was like old home week,” said Shana Hirsch, an English instructor at a community college in the southeastern part of the state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

It also highlighted the rising costs in the state, which could force students to pay at least three times more in tuition per semester if they attend the CSU over a community college.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

In the latest stress point, CSU has objected to 16 community college degree proposals, contending that they run counter to state law provisions designed to protect its own university degree offerings.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

I don't want to stay here, I don’t want community college, and I don't want to live with Dad and Serena, even if they are the nicest.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman