initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
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

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
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.
Duolingo — Shares popped 4% following Morgan Stanley’s initiation at overweight. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 Reporters from around the country followed the case, which marked the first time ever that prosecutors would play for a jury a surreptitious FBI recording of mob soldiers taking the oath of omerta during a mafia initiation ceremony. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025 The club's initiation fee works out to about 7% of the home's asking price. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 Sources told officers that those participating in the event had been standing in a line as part of the initiation process when Wilson reportedly collapsed, per the station. Becca Longmire, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

initiation

noun
ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on initiation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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