valedictory

[ val-i-dik-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. bidding goodbye; saying farewell:

   a valedictory speech.

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

   a valedictory ceremony.

noun

, plural val·e·dic·to·ries.

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

/ -trɪ; ˌvælɪˈdɪktərɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of valedictory¹

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

Example Sentences

The fifth, an ideal culmination of everything that came before it, uses this premise as a filter for Adlon’s valedictory meditations on personal history, family bonds, mortality and, above all, the constancy of change.

From Time

As we approach the winter solstice and the impending new year, it almost seemed as if some of the last vestiges of autumn had been set ablaze in valedictory.

From Washington Post

After nearly 30 years on the air, Conan O’Brien bid farewell on Thursday night with a low-key valedictory lap.

From Washington Post

Lou's valedictory has been acclaimed, without sarcasm, as baseball's Gettysburg Address.

From The Daily Beast

The congresswoman ended her valedictory to a man she described as “our icon” by saying “Michael Jackson, I salute you.”

From The Daily Beast

This concession speech was both a tribute to his opponent and a valedictory to his lifetime of service to the country.

From The Daily Beast

The Olympics will provide an extraordinary valedictory for both men.

From The Daily Beast

The valedictory match on the river on May 27 proved the best racing test, and furnished the most stirring sport of the trio.

From Project Gutenberg

Has the reader heard of Sauerteig's last batch of Springwurzeln, a rather curious valedictory Piece?

From Project Gutenberg

Don Rosendo assented to all, knitted his brows and extended his open hand in a valedictory fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

Without evincing any inclination to come in again, he there delivered his valedictory remarks.

From Project Gutenberg

Eleparu leads the valedictory salute, and Ocushlu waves the red scarf high over her head.

From Project Gutenberg