diploma

noun

di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə 

plural diplomas

1

plural also diplomata də-ˈplō-mə-tə  : an official or state document : charter

2

: a writing usually under seal conferring some honor or privilege

3

: a document bearing record of graduation from or of a degree conferred by an educational institution

Examples of diploma in a Sentence

He earned his high school diploma by attending classes at night.

Recent Examples on the Web

It is geared toward adults, 22 and older, who are seeking to get their high school diploma and find employment. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025

Boelter graduated in 1990 from an interdenominational Bible college in Dallas, earning a diploma in practical theology in leadership. —Jim Mustian, Mercury News, 18 June 2025

Earning a high school diploma in her 50s launched Ann Bydash on a journey of personal discovery. —Ryan Stowers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

The program requires that participants are enrolled in school or working towards a GED, providing help to ensure interns are progressing towards a diploma. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, passport, diploma, from Greek diplōma folded paper, passport, from diploun to double, from diploos

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diploma

• diploma mill

Rhymes for diploma

• aroma
• fibroma
• glaucoma
• glioma
• lipoma
• lymphoma
• myoma
• myxoma
• neuroma
• paloma
• schwannoma
• scotoma

Kids Definition

diploma

noun

di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə 

: a document granting a special right, honor, or power

especially : a document that shows a person has finished a course or graduated from a school