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

In 2021, Porter also delivered the commencement address at Hunt’s graduation ceremony. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026

The university announced that alumni Kameron Saunders will be one of the two commencement speakers for the 2026 ceremony on May 16. —Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

The commencement ceremony will be May 16 at Macalester College’s Leonard Center Field House. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2026

Grasso will be on hand for U-M's spring commencement May 2, when former Fab Five basketball star Jalen Rose will be the speaker. —John Wisely, Freep.com, 31 Mar. 2026

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