valedictory

American  

[val-i-dik-tuh-ree] / ˌvæl ɪˈdɪk tə ri /

adjective

1. bidding goodbye; saying farewell.

   a valedictory speech.

2. of or relating to an occasion of leave-taking.

   a valedictory ceremony.

---

noun

plural

valedictories

1. an address or oration delivered at the commencement exercises of a college or school on behalf of the graduating class.

2. any farewell address or oration.

valedictory British  

/ -trɪ, ˌvælɪˈdɪktərɪ /

noun

1. a farewell address or speech

2. a farewell speech delivered at a graduation ceremony, usually by the most outstanding graduate

---

Etymology

Origin of valedictory

1645–55; < Latin valedict ( us ) ( valediction ) + -ory ¹

Explanation

A valedictory is a speech expressing farewell, as at a school graduation. The adjective valedictory relates to saying good-bye, but almost always refers to a speech or address. Many people think of a valedictory address as the graduation speech given by the kid who got the highest grades in school — and often it is — but valedictory words don't have to have anything to do with schools or grades or throwing your cap in the air. They're all about taking one's leave or saying farewell, whether it's the president leaving office or a worker reaching retirement or a friend at a going-away party.

Example Sentences

Conservative lawyers and pundits marked the occasion by publishing laudatory articles that had, to me, a distinctly valedictory feel to them.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Speaking in her valedictory speech, Mrs May said being an MP "is the best job in the world" despite what she called "its frustrations".

From BBC • May 24, 2024

McConnell spoke from the Senate floor in somber, valedictory tones, but he left open the possibility that he might seek another term, declaring at one point: “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 29, 2024

We can only hope that those valedictory titles aren’t telling us something about Fellowship’s future.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2023

In his valedictory speech, Taylor thanked his teachers.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel