congratulation

noun

con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce congratulation (audio)
-ˌgra-jə-
1
: a congratulatory expression
usually used in plural
Congratulations on your promotion.
2
: the act of congratulating

Examples of congratulation in a Sentence

Let me offer you my congratulations for being elected. Please send her my congratulations. I sent her a letter of congratulations.
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.
Today, another email: congratulations to Russia on its National Day. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the leaders offering their congratulations to Nawrocki on Monday morning. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025 Thank you for having me and congratulations to the class of 2025! Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025 His fellow contestants also swarmed the stage for congratulations. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for congratulation

Word History

Etymology

see congratulate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of congratulation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congratulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congratulation. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

congratulation

noun
con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion kən-ˌgrach-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce congratulation (audio)
1
: the act of congratulating
2
: an expression of joy or pleasure at another's success or good fortune
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on congratulation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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