graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio)
1
: a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity
also : these marks
2
a
: the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma
3
: arrangement in degrees or ranks

Examples of graduation in a Sentence

He joined the navy after graduation. We had a party to celebrate her graduation from high school. They took lots of pictures at their son's graduation.
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.
In her own statement, Karma shared her plans for after graduation. Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Get more details on diploma changes:Learn more on the latest proposal to change Indiana's high school graduation requirements. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024 Other Issues on the Ballot The ballot would also include a measure to remove the current high school graduation requirement for passing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in subjects like math, science and English. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Given gains in high school graduation rates and community health, the analysis estimates the improvements could return $3 to a community for every $1 invested. Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for graduation 

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graduation was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near graduation

Cite this Entry

“Graduation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graduation. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

graduation

noun
grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio)
1
: a mark or the marks on an instrument or container indicating degrees or quantity
2
a
: an act or process of graduating
b
: the ceremony marking the completion by a student of a course of study at a school or college : commencement
3
: arrangement in degrees or ranks

More from Merriam-Webster on graduation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!