commencement

noun

com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt How to pronounce commencement (audio)
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.

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
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.
The Oscar winner returned to her alma mater in 2015 to deliver an inspiring commencement speech to the graduating class. Diana Pearl, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024 Last spring, pro-Palestinian tent encampments crowded schools and disrupted commencement plans, drawing accusations of antisemitism and prompting new limits. Annie Ma, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2024 Aside from sports contests, the venue has already hosted concerts, commencements for local universities and large networking events. Daniele Proch, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 The event at Fifth Third Arena attracted more than 12,500 fans and ended with a surprise commencement ceremony as the school’s president and athletic director gave each brother his diploma. Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commencement 

Word History

Etymology

see commence

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commencement was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near commencement

Cite this Entry

“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commencement. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

commencement

noun
com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt How to pronounce commencement (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on commencement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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