congratulation

noun

con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce congratulation (audio)
-ˌgra-jə-
1
: a congratulatory expression
usually used in plural
Congratulations on your promotion.
2
: the act of congratulating

Examples of congratulation in a Sentence

Let me offer you my congratulations for being elected. Please send her my congratulations. I sent her a letter of congratulations.
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.
Thousands of congratulations and well wishes poured in. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026 Hollywood support staff, like office workers around the world, are using AI for pedestrian, unglamorous tasks like composing emails, setting meetings and figuring out how to dole out the constant stream of requisite congratulations and holiday gifts. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 And congratulations, you guys turned 100 last year, that’s a huge milestone. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 That's right, congratulations are in order for the actress and football star, who welcomed their first child, a baby girl whose named hasn't been revealed yet. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulation

Word History

Etymology

see congratulate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of congratulation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congratulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congratulation. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

congratulation

noun
con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion kən-ˌgrach-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce congratulation (audio)
1
: the act of congratulating
2
: an expression of joy or pleasure at another's success or good fortune
usually used in plural

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