reform school

noun

: a reformatory for boys or girls

Examples of reform school in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film, an adaptation of a novel of the same name by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead, is a portrait of two Black boys who are sent to a violent reform school closely modeled on Dozier. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025 Nickel Boys is a unique screen adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel based on real-life abusive reform schools in America. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 After nearly two decades of reform schools and prison stints, Manson moved to San Francisco in March 1967, according to The New York Times. Emily Krauser, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025 Mind Control and Operation MKUltra Manson spent his early years in foster homes and reform schools before being arrested for the first time in 1956, and was released from prison in 1967. Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reform school

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reform school was circa 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Reform school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reform%20school. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

reform school

noun
: a reformatory for boys or girls

Legal Definition

reform school

noun
: a reformatory for boys or girls

More from Merriam-Webster on reform school

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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