dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-shən 

: an extended usually written treatment of a subject

specifically : one submitted for a doctorate

wrote her dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet

dissertational

ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of dissertation in a Sentence

He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.

Recent Examples on the Web

What could be the subject of a book itself ended up as a side-plot in my novel, set in San Luis Obispo (downwind of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant), and ready to derail Josie’s ant dissertation and academic career. —Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025

Really? Decades ago, at Albertus Magnus College, my class in modern poetry was taught by Sister Norma, a dynamic nun who had written her Ph.D. dissertation on William Butler Yeats. —Patricia Schultheis, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2025

Candidates conduct original research, publish findings, and defend their dissertations in front of experts in their fields. —Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Cole, the associate dean for doctoral programs and Hussein's dissertation advisor attended. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dissertation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdis-ər-ˈtā-shən 

: a long usually written treatment of a subject