diploma

noun

di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə How to pronounce diploma (audio)
plural diplomas
1
plural also diplomata də-ˈplō-mə-tə How to pronounce diploma (audio) : 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
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.
But this is only true of the seniors who walk away with diplomas, which was 61 of 71 seniors in 2023. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025 She was handed a symbolic diploma on behalf of her husband by Edward Said’s daughter, Najla. Aida Alami, New Yorker, 21 May 2025 But as international students studying in the U.S. face increasing challenges due to the volatile immigration policies of the Trump administration, awarding U.S. diplomas offshore can be seen as a way to circumvent potential visa obstacles. Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Though prices continue to rise in Arkansas -- and nationally -- college remains a worthwhile investment, according to a recent report from Federal Reserve economists that found a college graduate earns $32,000 more in a year than a worker with only a high school diploma. Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for diploma

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of diploma was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diploma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diploma. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

diploma

noun
di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə How to pronounce diploma (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on diploma

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