congratulation

noun

con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən 

-ˌgra-jə-

1

: a congratulatory expression

—usually used in plural

Congratulations on your promotion.

2

: the act of congratulating

Synonyms

• regards
• respects
• greetings
• commendations [archaic]
• praise
• compliment

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

And speaking of your daughter, congratulations on baby number two on the way. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025

There were video tributes and congratulations from Dolly Parton, John Oates, and Eric Church, then everyone sat back as fellow artists took to the stage to honor Fogerty with covers of some of his songs. —Pam Windsor, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Thanks again to all the students, and their teachers, parents and sponsors, who participated, and congratulations to our winners. —Steve Drummond, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025

Some of the entries in the collection, which was released by a House committee on Monday, are strictly well wishes, congratulations and benign birthday messages. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see congratulate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing congratulation

• self-congratulation

Rhymes for congratulation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

congratulation

noun

con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion kən-ˌgrach-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act of congratulating

2

: an expression of joy or pleasure at another's success or good fortune

—usually used in plural