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

As Byron, 17, crossed the stage to get his diploma, his relatives clapped and cheered, determined to stay strong for him. —Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

In the post, Johan was captured walking across the stage to collect his diploma, while a second clip featured Klum kissing her graduate on the cheek. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 7 July 2025

So far this year, 11 students have received diplomas while incarcerated. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

On track to earn her academic honors diploma, Sophia balances a rigorous course load while actively participating in basketball and track, and serving as a student athletic trainer. —Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 2 July 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