homeschool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “homeschool” mean?
To educate one's children at home rather than sending them to a school.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To educate one's children at home rather than sending them to a school.
The practice or system of providing a child's education primarily by parents or tutors at home, often following a structured curriculum outside of traditional school institutions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but 'home educate' is a more common alternative in British English, especially in official contexts.
Connotations
In the US, it often carries associations with specific religious, pedagogical, or lifestyle choices. In the UK, it may be perceived more neutrally as an educational option.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. The noun 'homeschooling' is very common in the US; 'home education' is the preferred statutory term in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “homeschool” in a Sentence
[Parents/They] homeschool [their children/the kids].[Subject] is homeschooled.[Subject] decided to homeschool.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homeschool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They made the decision to home educate their son due to his special needs.
- An increasing number of families are choosing to homeschool.
American English
- We decided to homeschool our kids through middle school.
- She has been homeschooling for over a decade.
adjective
British English
- They joined a local home education support group.
- The home-educated child participated in many community activities.
American English
- They found a great homeschool curriculum online.
- The homeschool co-op meets at the library every Wednesday.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche markets for educational resources.
Academic
Used in educational research, sociology, and policy discussions.
Everyday
Common in discussions about family, education choices, and parenting.
Technical
Used in legal and educational policy contexts regarding compulsory education statutes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homeschool”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homeschool”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homeschool”
- Using 'homeschool' as only a noun for the child (incorrect: *'He is a homeschool.' Correct: 'He is homeschooled.' or 'He is a homeschooled child.')
- Confusing it with 'homework'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word (homeschool, homeschooling), though the hyphenated form 'home-school' is also occasionally seen.
Yes, homeschooling is legal in many countries, including the UK and US, but regulations and reporting requirements vary significantly by region.
They are largely synonymous. 'Home educate' is often preferred in formal British contexts, while 'homeschool' is dominant in American English.
No. The child is 'homeschooled' (adjective) or 'a homeschooled child'. The noun 'homeschool' refers to the practice or the educational setting itself.
To educate one's children at home rather than sending them to a school.
Homeschool is usually neutral to formal in register.
Homeschool: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊmskuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊmskuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'homeschool']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SCHOOL built at HOME. The word itself is a compound of the two concepts.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A CUSTOM-BUILT STRUCTURE (as opposed to a public institution).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of 'homeschooling'?