valedictorian

noun

val·​e·​dic·​to·​ri·​an ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce valedictorian (audio)
: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence

She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.
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.
Newberger graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University and was valedictorian of the university’s Medill School of Journalism. Adam Bednar, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026 Cindy Crawford graduated as the valedictorian of DeKalb High School in 1984. Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 Southwest Philadelphia native Donvail Wilson is the valedictorian of the college's new naval welding program. Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026 Adams’ biography also credits him with having been his high school valedictorian. Brian Niemietz, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valedictorian

Word History

Etymology

valedictor(y) + -ian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valedictorian was in 1759

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

valedictorian

noun
vale·​dic·​to·​ri·​an
ˌval-ə-ˌdik-ˈtōr-ē-ən
-ˈtȯr-
: the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies

More from Merriam-Webster on valedictorian

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster