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 of initiation

• inauguration
• inaugural

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

Not an impulse purchase this time but a sort of yearning for initiation. —Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026

For each Atten Hill buyer, Crescent is also covering the $210,000 initiation fee for the resort’s highest-tier club. —Marissa Luck, Houston Chronicle, 4 Apr. 2026

The judge also found that the university's initiation of further disciplinary actions after the lawsuit was filed could constitute retaliation. —CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

William Blair initiates nLIGHT as outperform William Blair said in its initiation of nLIGHT that the laser company has plenty of upside. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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