graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio)
Synonyms of graduationnext
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
3
: arrangement in degrees or ranks

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
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.
With graduation season around the corner, several celebrities have been tapped as commencement speakers for some of the top colleges in the country. Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 Northwestern is largely rebuilding its roster after multiple portal departures as well as the graduation of star forward Nick Martinelli. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Their entire starting lineup from last season has left, either via graduation or the portal, leaving coach Leon Rice and his staff with the job of rebuilding. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026 The $200 million in state funds would include $75 million for the first phase of improvements at the adjoining Roy Wilkins Auditorium, which hosts mid-sized musical acts, the Minnesota Roller Derby, state high school sports tournaments, dance competitions and high school graduations. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graduation

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graduation was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Graduation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graduation. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

graduation

noun
grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio)
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

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