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.
Calumet — The special product producer jumped 2.2% following Bank of America’s initiation at a buy rating. Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 May 2025 That trend continued in later years, as revenue from initiation fees surged, boosting operating income from about $2 million in 2014 to $22 million in 2022. Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Some former members of the fraternity were sentenced to several days in jail for providing alcohol at an initiation event to a minor, and Washington State University removed official recognition of the fraternity until May 2026. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 3 May 2025 As the first sign in the zodiac, Aries embodies a spark of initiation, much like its planetary ruler, Mars. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Apr. 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 29 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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