baccalaureate

[ bak-uh-lawr-ee-it, -lor- ]

noun

1. bachelor's degree.
2. a religious service held at an educational institution, usually on the Sunday before commencement day.
3. baccalaureate sermon.

baccalaureate

/ ˌbækəˈlɔːrɪɪt /

noun

1. the university degree of Bachelor or Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc
2. an internationally recognized programme of study, comprising different subjects, offered as an alternative to a course of A levels in Britain
3. a farewell sermon delivered at the commencement ceremonies in many colleges and universities

Other Words From

• postbac·ca·laure·ate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of baccalaureate¹

1615–25; < Medieval Latin baccalaureātus, equivalent to baccalaure ( us ) advanced student, bachelor (for baccalārius ( bachelor ), alteration by association with Latin phrase bacca laureus laurel berry) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of baccalaureate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin baccalaureātus , from baccalaureus advanced student, alteration of baccalārius bachelor ; influenced in folk etymology by Latin bāca berry + laureus laurel

Example Sentences

He lives in La Crescenta, having moved from an Eagle Rock apartment years ago, but attends the school as part of the International Baccalaureate programs.

From Los Angeles Times

Pupils will also receive results for the Welsh Baccalaureate, BTec and other qualifications on Thursday.

From BBC

USC also canceled the interdenominational baccalaureate ceremony Thursday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, the annual Baccalaureate Ceremony — a nondenominational, interfaith celebration — is held on the eve of graduation at Bovard Auditorium in the center of campus.

From Los Angeles Times

A nondenominational, interfaith baccalaureate was scheduled for that night in Bovard Auditorium — near the site of the current encampment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• class
• credit
• grade
• honor
• level
• magnitude
• point
• position
• qualification
• quality
• scope
• sort
• standard
• status
• strength