graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity

also : these marks

2

a

: the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma

b

: commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks

Synonyms

• hierarchy
• ladder
• ordering
• ranking
• scale

Examples of graduation in a Sentence

He joined the navy after graduation.

We had a party to celebrate her graduation from high school.

They took lots of pictures at their son's graduation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Legislators say the demographic spiral is at the heart of Pennsylvania’s most pressing economic decisions, and addressing medical system inequities starts with affordable colleges and lucrative careers after graduation. —Christen Smith | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 July 2024

Trans youth already face hurdles in school, with higher rates of absenteeism and lower graduation rates than their peers. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024

Grimes also plans to follow in his brother’s footsteps after graduation. —Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2024

The space fits up to six people and can be booked for celebrating a birthday, graduation or other occasion. —Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a mark or the marks on an instrument or container indicating degrees or quantity

2

a

: an act or process of graduating

b

: the ceremony marking the completion by a student of a course of study at a school or college : commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks