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 of graduation

• ladder
• hierarchy
• ranking
• 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

Last June, the sisters helped the Conquer Chargers’ U17 team win the inaugural Roma Bowl in Italy after Sterling’s graduation. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The 13-year-old follows in his father’s footsteps — Prince William attended the historic school from 1995 until his graduation in 2000. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

The theater has hosted a Jimmy Buffett concert, high school graduations, weddings, and other gatherings. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2026

On graduation day, Fujino is tasked with taking Kyomoto’s diploma to the girl’s home, and the two finally meet. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graduation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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