What does schoolgirl mean?
A schoolgirl is a girl of school age, especially a pupil who attends school. In ordinary educational contexts, the word simply identifies the sex of a student, but it can also carry a social or cultural association with childhood, school uniforms, youthful fashions, and adolescent experiences. When used about an adult, it may be deliberately nostalgic or may sound patronizing, especially if it emphasizes someone’s appearance, innocence, or conventional behaviour. The compound is commonly used attributively in expressions such as “schoolgirl uniform” and “schoolgirl fashion,” where it describes things associated with female pupils or with styles conventionally linked to them. Although the word can describe a female pupil of any age who is still in education, its most familiar application is to a girl in compulsory or secondary schooling. It is a transparent English compound formed from “school” and “girl,” with a straightforward but broad range of contextual uses.
nounA girl of school age, especially one who is a pupil at school. The word can also be used attributively, as in “schoolgirl uniform,” to refer to clothing, styles, or objects associated with schoolgirls.
- A girl of school age, especially one who attends school.
- A female pupil, viewed in contrast with a male pupil or as representing the social world of school.
"The schoolgirl waited at the gate for the bus."
"The schoolgirl raised her hand to answer the teacher’s question."
"The collection draws on the bright colours and playful graphics associated with schoolgirl fashion."
The regular plural is used for multiple female pupils; when referring to a group, the context usually makes the meaning clear.
"The schoolgirls shared their notes before the exam."
The expression “schoolgirl chic” turns an ordinary label for a pupil into a style associated with youthful, deliberately nostalgic clothing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of schoolgirl
The compound “schoolgirl” is formed in English from “school” and “girl.” “School” derives from Old English scōl, borrowed from Latin schola, which comes from Greek scholē, associated with learning and teaching. “Girl” is Middle English in origin, although its deeper historical derivation is uncertain. The compound has long been used for a female pupil and later developed additional social and stylistic associations.
How schoolgirl is actually used
The term is neutral when used straightforwardly, but it can sound old-fashioned, patronizing, or overly focused on a girl’s appearance when used casually about an adult female. It is more common in British English in some contexts, although it is also used in American English.
Easily confused with schoolgirl
A schoolboy is a boy of school age or a male pupil, whereas a schoolgirl is the corresponding female pupil.