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

Most of the complexes also include unusual amenities like on-site child care, smoking cessation classes, areas for on-site food cultivation, English classes, advice for job searches and help securing a high school diploma. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

And rising graduation rates tell us little if diplomas are not backed by genuine readiness for college or careers. —Bruce Rauner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Students also need a valid driver’s license, clean drug test and a high school diploma or GED. —Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026

Advertisement Winners receive a medal, diploma, and 11 million Swedish kroner, which is worth around $1 million. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Jan. 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