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

• beginning
• start
• inception
• onset
• launch

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

Their route to walking across the stage to receive a diploma might have taken some detours and extra years, but the joy in earning a high school diploma or equivalency certificate was evident at the Poway Adult School’s 60th annual commencement ceremony. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025

Video shows Oh asking every attendee to stand up and participate from the commencement stage to the bleachers. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 June 2025

Ridgewood High School in Norridge has bid farewell to its Class of 2025, holding a commencement ceremony recently on the school’s football field then offering more praise on social media. —Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

From Kermit the Frog to LeVar Burton, listen to some commencement speech highlights. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 16 June 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