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.
Magyar thanked Moscow and Beijing for offering their congratulations and willingness to work with Hungary’s new government. Justin Spike, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026 Online, congratulations also flowed in from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola. ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 Tom's like, ‘Dude, congratulations. Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 Wooden's son Jim texted congratulations to Close. CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026 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 16 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster