kindergarten UK /ˈkɪndəˌɡɑːt(ə)n/US /ˈkɪndəɹˌɡɑːɹt(ə)n/ noun3 •(US, Canada) The elementary school grade before first grade. •(US, UK) An educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6; a nursery school. •(Philippines) The two levels between nursery and prep; the second and third years of preschool. formskindergartens