kindergarten/ˈkɪndəɹˌɡɑːɹt(ə)n/EtymologyUnadapted borrowing from German Kindergarten (“kindergarten”, literally “garden of children”), coined by German pedagogue Friedrich Fröbel in 1840.kindergarten means An educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6; nursery school. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 68 out of 100.nounAn educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6; nursery school.The elementary school grade before first grade.The two levels between nursery and prep; the second and third years of preschool.