scholarship

noun

schol·​ar·​ship ˈskä-lər-ˌship 

1

: a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation)

2

: the character, qualities, activity, or attainments of a scholar : learning

3

: a fund of knowledge and learning

drawing on the scholarship of the ancients

Synonyms of scholarship

• literacy
• knowledge
• education
• learning

Choose the Right Synonym for scholarship

knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind.

knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation.

a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Examples of scholarship in a Sentence

She got a scholarship to Yale University.

The organization is offering five $5,000 scholarships.

The essay is a work of serious scholarship.

The book is about his life and scholarship.

Recent Examples on the Web

His original science video is now in the running to receive $400,000 worth of prizes, including a college scholarship and a new science lab for Ravenwood. —Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Dec. 2025

The Traceys have started a foundation in honor of Paul that awards $1,600 scholarships to two Waltham High School students pursuing law enforcement careers. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025

Under the agreement, the team will provide an initial $400,000 investment that can go toward a variety of community priorities like youth scholarships, housing stability programs, environmental projects, and local art and cultural preservation. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 23 Dec. 2025

The money went to the San Ysidro Women’s Club to help fund scholarships. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scholarship

• football scholarship
• full scholarship

Rhymes for scholarship

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

scholarship

noun

schol·​ar·​ship ˈskäl-ər-ˌship 

1

: money given (as by a college) to a student to help pay for further education

2

: the character, qualities, or achievements of a scholar