diploma

noun

di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə 

plural diplomas

1

plural also diplomata də-ˈplō-mə-tə  : an official or state document : charter

2

: a writing usually under seal conferring some honor or privilege

3

: a document bearing record of graduation from or of a degree conferred by an educational institution

Examples of diploma in a Sentence

He earned his high school diploma by attending classes at night.

Recent Examples on the Web

The chair signs employment documents, separation agreements, expulsion agreements, and the diplomas and the checks. —Kendall Larson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

As the job landscape evolves, more employers now require at least a high school diploma, Alcorn said. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

Applicants must have a high school diploma and previous barista or server experience. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2025

Her son, who doesn’t live at home, asked for his diplomas and signed racing gloves. —Marianne Eloise, Architectural Digest, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, passport, diploma, from Greek diplōma folded paper, passport, from diploun to double, from diploos

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diploma

• diploma mill

Kids Definition

diploma

noun

di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə 

: a document granting a special right, honor, or power

especially : a document that shows a person has finished a course or graduated from a school