What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nursery
Example
The nursery provides a safe and nurturing environment for infants and toddlers. [nursery: noun]
Example
She decorated the nursery with soft colors and cute animal prints. [nursery: noun]
Example
The nursery specializes in growing rare and exotic orchids. [nursery: noun]
preschool
Example
My daughter loves going to preschool and playing with her friends. [preschool: noun]
Example
The preschool curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities and creative expression. [preschool: adjective]
Example
Preschoolers learn important social skills like sharing and taking turns. [preschoolers: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preschool is more commonly used than nursery in everyday language, especially in the context of education. Nursery is more commonly used in the UK to refer to a place where young children are cared for during the day while their parents are at work.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nursery and preschool?
Preschool is more formal than nursery as it is a structured educational program with a curriculum and learning objectives. Nursery is more informal and primarily focused on providing basic care needs for young children.