initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of initiating

b

: the process of being initiated

c

: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status

2

: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Synonyms

• inauguration
• inaugural
• induction

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club

crimes committed as part of gang initiations

the initiation of judicial proceedings

Recent Examples on the Web

Jefferies initiates Klaviyo as buy Jefferies said in its initiation of Klaviyo the marketing automation company has durable growth. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Thanks to an extended sidecut that makes for quick, responsive turn initiation, this ski shines when carving up groomers. —Marina Knight, Outside, 17 Oct. 2025

The club is currently waiving its standard $300 initiation fee. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

The paper addresses operational procedures, describing mechanical and electrical triggers, containment strategies for managing gases, and a full process timeline of roughly 335 minutes from initiation to material extraction. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Rhymes for initiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən 

1

: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction

2

: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society