valedictorian

noun

val·​e·​dic·​to·​ri·​an ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən 

: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence

She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.

Recent Examples on the Web

Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Palm Beach County high schools. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026

On Saturday, May 30, Abigail and Annabelle Smith graduated as co-valedictorians of the class of 2026 at Gaither High School in Tampa, according to Hillsborough County Public Schools. —Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

The twin brothers, now 56, were co-valedictorians at their Richmond high school, before attending the same college and medical school together. —ABC News, 3 June 2026

Edan Hollander, the 2026 valedictorian for Montecito High School, will share his experiences starting fresh at a new high school during the school’s June 3 graduation ceremony. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

valedictor(y) + -ian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for valedictorian

• pythagorean
• chorion
• corean
• dorian
• saurian
• gregorian
• historian
• nestorian
• praetorian
• stentorian

Kids Definition

valedictorian

noun

vale·​dic·​to·​ri·​an

ˌval-ə-ˌdik-ˈtōr-ē-ən, 

-ˈtȯr-

: the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies