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

The school allows adults ages 18 to 50 to earn a high school diploma and a certification in one of at least 10 career and technical programs simultaneously. —Kamal Morgan may 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026

If the 5 in 5 rule means the clock is ticking on their college eligibility as soon as they’re handed a high school diploma, more Minnesota kids are likely to leave the prep ranks early. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026

There were 305 seniors who received their diplomas. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

Troy High School’s graduating seniors stepped forward to receive their diplomas on Thursday, May 28. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

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