initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of initiating
b
: the process of being initiated
c
: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2
: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club crimes committed as part of gang initiations the initiation of judicial proceedings
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.
And so there was a kind of bonding, initiation process, stepping into all of it. Abigail Lee, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025 The buyers would have the option to get guest privileges at The Mar-a-Lago Club without paying the club’s initiation fee — said to be as much as $1 million — because of an agreement Trump worked out years ago with the town. Darrell Hofheinz, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 Performing genetic testing can delay the initiation of chemotherapy for some patients (although this should not be an issue if the test is ordered shortly after diagnosis). Ellen Matloff, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 The semiconductor stock jumped 7.8% on the heels of Raymond James’ initiation at an outperform rating. Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

initiation

noun
ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction
2
: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society

More from Merriam-Webster on initiation

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