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

She went on to become valedictorian of her public high school and the first member of her family to go to college.

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Now he’s 6 feet 3, 205 pounds, only 16 years old, has a football scholarship offer from Stanford and wants to be his school’s valedictorian in 2027.

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Several students also criticized the administration’s decision to not name a valedictorian — or let that person speak.

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In addition, the university faced criticism after it pulled a commencement speaker slot for a pro-Palestinian, Muslim valedictorian.

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"American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long," Ramaswamy complained on Musk's X, denouncing a culture that celebrates "the jock over the valedictorian."

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