graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity

also : these marks

2

a

: the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma

b

: commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks

Synonyms

• ranking
• ladder
• hierarchy
• scale
• series

Examples of graduation in a Sentence

He joined the navy after graduation.

We had a party to celebrate her graduation from high school.

They took lots of pictures at their son's graduation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Elective or area credit will be applied in the appropriate academic areas and count toward graduation when those elective credit options exist within the academic major, according to the site. —Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 7 July 2025

Though the legislation is strictly focused on graduation numbers, the liberal arts will see the most cuts and consolidations, especially in language and cultural studies programs. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 7 July 2025

These leadership skills were developed in the classroom, and each student’s achievement on graduation day was celebrated by their supporters. —Thomas Bostick, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

The event marked the graduation of the first Saudi THAAD operators, who completed their training at Fort Bliss, Texas, in November. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graduation

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

Kids Definition

graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a mark or the marks on an instrument or container indicating degrees or quantity

2

a

: an act or process of graduating

b

: the ceremony marking the completion by a student of a course of study at a school or college : commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks