graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən 

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

b

: commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks

Synonyms

• ranking
• ladder
• hierarchy
• scale
• series

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

And to delve deeper into teen attitudes, perceptions, and intentions after graduation, read the first article in this series. —Jean Eddy, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

The report also complicates the picture after graduation. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025

After graduation, the Costume Institute invited her to continue her internship through the summer. —Essence, 11 Aug. 2025

The organization considers factors like state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates and teacher quality, among others. —Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 10 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graduation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən 

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