commencement

[ kuh-mens-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act or instance of commencing; beginning:

   the commencement of hostilities.

2. the ceremony of conferring degrees or granting diplomas at the end of the academic year.
3. the day on which this ceremony takes place.

commencement

/ kəˈmɛnsmənt /

noun

1. the beginning; start
2. 1. a ceremony for the presentation of awards at secondary schools
   2. a ceremony for the conferment of academic degrees

Other Words From

• noncom·mencement noun
• recom·mencement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commencement¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French; equivalent to commence + -ment

Example Sentences

The turmoil escalated when Folt canceled the “main stage” commencement ceremony, depriving students and their families of a treasured ritual.

From Los Angeles Times

Harrison Butker, the placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, went viral after he delivered a commencement address to a Catholic liberal arts school.

From Salon

The commencement ceremony honoring the class of 2024 was over, but the show had just begun.

From Los Angeles Times

He attended Bethel Park High School in 2022, according to a local media report and the school's commencement video, CNN reported.

From Salon

The board’s vote on the divestment proposal hinged on students taking down their pro-Palestinian encampment, not impeding commencement and not returning to occupy a space on campus without prior approval.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convocation
• dawning
• graduation
• initiation
• kickoff
• onset
• outset