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 of commencement

• 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

This year brought a personal milestone when her alma mater invited her to give a commencement address—with her kids, Noa and Carter, watching from the front row. —Essence, 24 Nov. 2025

On Friday, the city held a commencement ceremony for the stadium, which Goodell attended and spoke at. —Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitration proceedings shall be conducted before JAMS in accordance with JAMS Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures and shall be concluded within sixty (60) days of commencement. —Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025

Graduates of Baruch College participate in a commencement ceremony at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, June 5, 2017. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Nov. 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