schoolgirl
UK: ˈskuːlɡɜːl | US: ˈskuːlɡɜːrl
n. a girl who attends school
The word "schoolgirl" is a straightforward compound of "school" (from Old English "scōl," derived from Latin "schola," meaning "place of learning") and "girl" (from Old English "gyrel," originally meaning "young person of either sex," later narrowing to "young female"). The combination reflects the societal focus on education and gender-specific language by the 19th century, when the term emerged to describe female students.
The schoolgirl walked home with her backpack full of books.
A group of schoolgirls practiced for the choir competition.
The novel follows a shy schoolgirl navigating adolescence.
She wore the traditional uniform of a British schoolgirl.
The teacher praised the schoolgirl for her excellent essay.