valedictorian

noun

val·​e·​dic·​to·​ri·​an ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən 

: 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

Graduation ceremonies around the country in recent weeks have made headlines for student valedictorians being cut off mid-sentence, guest speakers facing boos from audiences and even an allegation of a racist speech. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Meet the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from Osceola County high schools. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026

Rosser is the valedictorian of the class of 2026 and just finished his senior year there. — Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Broward County high schools. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

valedictor(y) + -ian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for valedictorian

• pythagorean
• chorion
• corean
• dorian
• saurian
• gregorian
• historian
• nestorian
• praetorian
• stentorian

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