dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-shən 

: an extended usually written treatment of a subject

specifically : one submitted for a doctorate

wrote her dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet

dissertational

ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of dissertation in a Sentence

He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.

Recent Examples on the Web

The plush red seats of the Concertgebouw's main auditorium are occupied by students cramming for upcoming exams and finishing dissertations as classical music fills the hall. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

Guilledo started as a smaller mention in Remollino’s dissertation work on working-class Filipino American boxers during the 1920s and ‘30s. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

In my subfield of ecology and evolutionary biology, an average dissertation could yield three to six papers, sometimes more. —Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026

Board chair Ward recused himself in February from the candidate selection due to a potential conflict of interest — candidate Lesley Lavery is the co-chair of the dissertation committee overseeing Ward’s doctoral dissertation at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dissertation

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

Kids Definition

dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdis-ər-ˈtā-shən 

: a long usually written treatment of a subject