baccalaureate

noun

bac·ca·lau·re·ate | \ ˌba-kə-ˈlȯr-ē-ət,

-ˈlär-\

Definition of baccalaureate

1 : the degree of bachelor conferred by universities and colleges

2a : a sermon to a graduating class

b : the service at which this sermon is delivered

Examples of baccalaureate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The baccalaureate is typically a religious celebration to honor school graduates. — chicagotribune.com, "Texas school shooting survivors face a 'spiritual war zone'," 21 May 2018 After earning her baccalaureate in nursing, Jen is ready to devote some time to her own health. — Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "An active family, an odd work schedule leaves Mom with no workout routine," 12 June 2018 Todd Penick, a graduating senior who is planning to attend Texas State University, said last year's baccalaureate was attended by around 25 people. — chicagotribune.com, "Texas school shooting survivors face a 'spiritual war zone'," 21 May 2018 But the data also showed 72 percent of baccalaureate graduates at Florida A&M University had excess credit hours, the highest percentage, versus 20 percent at the University of Florida, the lowest percentage. — Lloyd Dunkelberger, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Lawmakers could ease up on 'excess' credit hours," 13 Feb. 2018 Internet access has been shut down nationwide for at least an hour a day, beginning on Wednesday, at the times when students are taking the annual baccalaureate exams. — Nour Youssef, New York Times, "Algeria’s Answer to Cheating on School Exams: Turn Off the Internet," 21 June 2018 On Sunday night, Arcadia First Baptist Church hosted the town’s annual baccalaureate service for Santa Fe High’s graduating seniors. — Brittney Martin, Washington Post, "Praying the pain away: Christianity’s presence at Santa Fe High grows after shooting," 26 May 2018 With commencements and the world of adulthood beckoning, a group of La Cañada graduates took a moment Tuesday to reflect upon their faith during a baccalaureate service at St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church. — Sara Cardine, latimes.com, "La Cañada graduates share testimonials, gratitude in interfaith baccalaureate service," 31 May 2018 This deeply religious community came together Sunday for prayer services at local churches and a traditional end-of-school baccalaureate service that acknowledged the pain wracking Santa Fe, a town of 13,000 people. — chicagotribune.com, "Texas school shooting survivors face a 'spiritual war zone'," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baccalaureate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for baccalaureate

borrowed from Medieval Latin baccalaureātus, respelling (perhaps influenced by bacca laurī "laurel berry") of bacheleriātus, from bachelarius "knight lacking retainers, young clerk, person with an initial university degree" + Latin -ātus -ate entry 2 — more at bachelor entry 1