graduation

[ graj-oo-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act of graduating; the state of being graduated. graduated.
2. the ceremony of conferring degrees or diplomas, as at a college or school.
3. arrangement in degrees, levels, or ranks.

graduation

/ ˌɡrædjʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of graduating or the state of being graduated
2. the ceremony at which school or college degrees and diplomas are conferred
3. a mark or division or all the marks or divisions that indicate measure on an instrument or vessel

Other Words From

• nongrad·u·ation noun
• postgrad·u·ation adjective
• pregrad·u·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of graduation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English graduacion < Medieval Latin graduātiōn- (stem of graduātiō ). See graduate, -ion

Example Sentences

Following her graduation in 2004, she dedicated nearly a decade to designing eyewear, often spending 12 hours a day in front of a computer.

From Los Angeles Times

Within 160 days, Carvalho would have to report “about the feasibility of establishing a Contemporary Political Issues course” for the high school level and whether it could be required for graduation.

From Los Angeles Times

The formulas include graduation rates but also other things, like surveys about a school’s reputation.

From New York Times

Education Department pressuring colleges to improve graduation rates, it should be no surprise that grade inflation has followed students into postsecondary school.

From Los Angeles Times

With the encouragement of friends, Kyran began performing on stage and by graduation they were "a full-time drag queen".

From BBC

Related Words

• convocation