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.
Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter’s 2023 Sunday Times bestseller Shy, and twists that story on its axis to be told from reform school headteacher Steve’s point of view. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 Murphy stars as the title character, a head teacher at a reform school for boys. Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 From our fall film & TV preview: Max Porter has adapted the screenplay for Steve from his own novella Shy, about the head teacher of a reform school (Cillian Murphy) who finds the walls closing in on all fronts, professional and personal. Emily Temple september 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025 Over one intense day, the devoted head teacher (Cillian Murphy) of a last-chance reform school strives to keep his students in line while facing pressures of his own. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 27 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 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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