valedictorian

[ val-i-dik-tawr-ee-uhn, -tohr- ]

noun

1. a student, usually the one ranking highest academically in a school graduating class, who delivers the valedictory at the commencement exercises.

valedictorian

/ ˌvælɪdɪkˈtɔːrɪən /

adjective

1. saying goodbye
2. of or relating to a farewell or an occasion of farewell

noun

1. a person, usually the most outstanding graduate, who delivers a farewell speech at a graduation ceremony

Word History and Origins

Origin of valedictorian¹

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60; valedictory + -an

Example Sentences

U.S.C. canceled a graduation speech by its valedictorian, a Muslim student, and then called off its main stage commencement altogether.

From New York Times

Similar scenes played out across the country: The University of Southern California canceled its main graduation ceremony after disallowing its student valedictorian, who is Muslim, from giving her keynote speech.

From Seattle Times

Women also now make up nearly 60% of master’s degree recipients in the U.S. and nearly 70% of high school valedictorians.

From Los Angeles Times

In her youth, she was named class valedictorian at her high school and received a scholarship to the University of Western Ontario in London.

From BBC

The University of Southern California told its valedictorian, who publicly backed Palestinians, that she could not deliver her keynote speech at its graduation ceremony because of security concerns.

From Seattle Times