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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.
But some like the Kimbell’s have eyes and other piercings cut into them and used likely as part of initiations or the end of a ritual. James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025 The mystical thriller takes place in a remote Yakutian village, where an American filmmaker investigating thawing permafrost gets caught up in a local teenager named Sardaana’s shamanic initiation. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 The research team’s constant focus has been on making these medical robots ready for use in operating theatres as soon as possible, with their next immediate goal being the rapid initiation of human clinical trials. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025 Even before adolescence, the youth themselves are performing refinement—an early initiation into the aesthetics of conspicuous consumption. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 27 Nov. 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

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