diploma

[ dih-ploh-muh ]

noun

, plural di·plo·mas, Latin di·plo·ma·ta [dih-, ploh, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. a document given by an educational institution conferring a degree on a person or certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed a course of study.
2. a document conferring some honor, privilege, or power.
3. a public or official document, especially one of historical interest:

   a diploma from Carolingian times.

verb (used with object)

, di·plo·maed, di·plo·ma·ing.

1. to grant or award a diploma to.

diploma

/ dɪˈpləʊmə /

noun

1. a document conferring a qualification, recording success in examinations or successful completion of a course of study
2. an official document that confers an honour or privilege

Other Words From

• predi·ploma noun
• undi·plomaed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploma¹

1635–45; < Latin diplōma a letter of recommendation, an official document < Greek díplōma a letter folded double, equivalent to diplō-, variant stem of diploûn to double (derivative of diplóos; diplo- ) + -ma suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploma¹

C17: from Latin: official letter or document, literally: letter folded double, from Greek; see diplo-

Example Sentences

In 1962, he went to Ruskin College, Oxford, where he got a diploma in economics and politics, and later to Hull University to study for an economics degree.

From BBC

A psychology major, he still has four classes to finish before he can earn his diploma.

From Los Angeles Times

The statement said he graduated from the school in 2024 and carried out the attack after "failing to obtain his diploma due to poor exam results" and that he was unhappy with his internship pay.

From BBC

Despite his father’s disapproval - art was not seen as a viable career in India at the time - Gaitonde funded his own studies and earned a diploma in 1948.

From BBC

The “earnings premium” in the report shows how much more college graduates earn when compared with those with only a high school diploma.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• credentials
• degree
• recognition
• voucher
• warrant