valedictory

adjective val·e·dic·to·ry \ ˌva-lə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of valedictory

: of or relating to a valediction : expressing or containing a farewell

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Examples of valedictory in a Sentence

a valedictory address given by the college president upon his retirement

Did You Know?

Valedictory addresses delivered by earnest young valedictorians at high school and college graduations are as much a sign of spring in the United States as baseball games and cookouts. Though we don't know where the first valedictory address was given, we do know that the word was an institution at some colleges in the U.S. by the mid-1700s. English speakers and writers have also used "valedictory" in non-academic settings since the mid-1600s. Since a valedictory speech is given at the end of an academic career, it is perfectly in keeping with the meaning of its Latin ancestor, valedicere, which means "to say farewell."

Origin and Etymology of valedictory

borrowed from New Latin valedictōrius, from Latin valedic-, alternate stem of vale dīcere, valedīcere "to say goodbye" + -tōrius, adjective suffix (originally derivatives of agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor) — more at valediction

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1651

in the meaning defined above

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valedictory Synonyms

Synonyms

farewell, parting;

departing, leaving;

valedictory

noun

Definition of valedictory

plural valedictories

1 : an address or statement of farewell or leave-taking

2 : valediction 1

See valedictory defined for English-language learners

Examples of valedictory in a Sentence

He received a very warm valedictory for his long career.

Recent Examples of valedictory from the Web

Esa-Pekka Salonen begins a two-week podium residency with Mahler’s valedictory Symphony No.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Recommended Chicago classical concerts for May 11-17," 10 May 2018
Everything since has been a years-long valedictory, with awards from Major League Baseball and the Country Music Hall of Fame, anniversary celebrations and that lifetime achievement Grammy.

— jack dickey, SI.com, "How Charley Pride Went From Negro League Ballplayer to Country Music's Jackie Robinson," 21 Mar. 2018
The mayor’s remarks on education came towards the end of an address that announced no major new legislationand was largely valedictory.

— Washington Post, "Bowser, in State of District speech, pledges ‘reinforced’ oversight of school system," 15 Mar. 2018
But for Vonn, there is a heavy element of valedictory to her presence—and performances—here.

— tim layden, SI.com, "Downhill Bronze Medal a Soaring Triumph for Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn," 21 Feb. 2018
Inexplicably yet inexorably, the nuptial embraces between heroine and hero become valedictory.

— alastair macaulay, New York Times, "How Balanchine Turns a Fairy Story Into Tragedy," 20 Feb. 2018
Almost inexplicably, the gentle catenary sag feels at once valedictory, melancholic, utterly confident and wholly natural.

— christopher knight, latimes.com, "Does the Broad's new Jasper Johns exhibition hit the bull's-eye? It gets darn close," 9 Feb. 2018
In different circumstances, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg might be on a valedictory tour in her final months on the Supreme Court.

— jessica gresko, The Seattle Times, "Justice Ginsburg, nearing 85, signals she won’t retire soon," 27 Jan. 2018
But expect a little bit of a misty valedictory vibe as this is billed as The Gambler’s Last Deal, a farewell tour, said to be Rogers’ final world tour.

— john adamian, courant.com, "Kenny Rogers Bringing Holiday Show To Oakdale," 9 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valedictory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.