valediction

noun

val·​e·​dic·​tion ˌva-lə-ˈdik-shən 

1

: an act of bidding farewell

2

: valedictory sense 1

Examples of valediction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the funeral liturgy and delivered the final commendation and valediction. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025

This record and tour are by no means a last valediction to her music career. — August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

Dorfman’s new book, his thirty-eighth, feels like a valediction to a career that, until now, has been varied in its instruments but consistent in its vision. — Jonathan Dee, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023

Will the delicate touch that has scored so effectively with viewers and Emmy voters be abandoned for mawkish valedictions? — John Anderson, WSJ, 14 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin valedictiōn-, valedictiō, from Latin valedic-, alternate stem of vale dīcere, valedīcere "to say goodbye," (from vale, interjection, "goodbye, farewell," reduced form of valē, imperative of valēre "to have strength, be well" + dīcere "to speak, say") + -tiōn-, -tiō, noun suffix of action — more at wield, diction

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for valediction

• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction
• crucifixion
• dereliction
• interdiction
• jurisdiction
• malediction
• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction