coeducation
koh-ej-uh-KAY-shuhn
/ˌkoʊ.ɛdʒ.ʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/
The system of educating male and female students together in the same institution.
Specifically refers to mixed-gender schooling environments rather than general co-ed social activities.
The story behind the word. Formed in 19th-century America by combining the prefix 'co-' (together) with 'education'. It arose during social movements seeking to open university doors to women alongside men.
Word relationships
- mixed-gender schooling: A descriptive phrase rather than a formal academic noun.
- single-sex education: Refers to separating male and female students into separate institutions.
Commonly confused with
- cohabitation: Cohabitation means living together in a dwelling, while coeducation means learning together in a school.
Word family
- coeducational (adjective): Relating to joint education of males and females.
Collocations
- adopt coeducation
- coeducation system
- transition to coeducation
Example sentences
- "The transition from single-gender academies to full coeducation transformed modern university campuses across the nation." Educational reform discussion
Memory hook
CO-workers in EDUCATION: male and female students learning under one roof. Co = together in education.
When not to use
Do not use to describe general corporate office settings; it belongs strictly to educational contexts.
Fun facts
- Oberlin College in Ohio became the first American college to embrace full coeducation in 1833.
Related words
Explore more words
educate, segregation, extracurricular, tuition, co-curricular, desegregation
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