commencement

noun

com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt 

1

: an act, instance, or time of commencing

They awaited the commencement of the trial.

2

a

: the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas

A Nobel Prize winner will speak at the commencement.

b

: the period of activities at this time

Commencement will kick off with a family reception followed by a banquet.

Synonyms

• alpha
• baseline
• beginning
• birth
• dawn
• day one
• genesis
• get-go
• git-go
• inception
• incipience
• incipiency
• kickoff
• launch
• morning
• nascence
• nascency
• onset
• outset
• start
• threshold

Examples of commencement in a Sentence

A poet will speak at the commencement.

there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump's speech politicizes military commencement The anecdote came during the commencement address, in which Trump touted his administration's isolationist stances and the ending of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. —James Powel, USA Today, 26 May 2025

At least 12 people were injured after a tree fell on bystanders during a commencement ceremony at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California, on Friday. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 24 May 2025

The world’s most famous frog, wearing a Muppet-size cap and gown, thrilled the crowd at the commencement ceremony with his humor. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 23 May 2025

Swank follows another Hollywood star, comedian Bill Hader, who delivered the 2024 commencement address. —Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see commence

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

commencement

noun

com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt 

1

: an act, instance, or time of commencing

2

: the ceremonies or the day for presenting degrees or diplomas to graduates of a school or college