special education

noun

: classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs

Examples of special education 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.
School districts must still heat buildings, transport students, provide special education services, and educate every child who walks through their doors—even as the resources available to do so continue to shrink. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The budget also adds a thousand special education staff members, keeps individual school budgets flat, and includes $143 million in raises. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 30 July 2026 The measure would create a shield around core Education Department offices overseeing special education and Native American, K-12 and postsecondary education. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 July 2026 The approval came as special education spending has become one of the fastest-growing pressures on the district’s finances. — Chaewon Chung july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for special education

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special education was in 1921

Rhymes for special education

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Browse Nearby Words

special ed
special education
special effect
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Cite this Entry

“Special education.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20education. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

special education

noun
: classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs

More from Merriam-Webster on special education

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about special education

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