initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of initiating

b

: the process of being initiated

c

: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status

2

: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Synonyms

• baptism
• inaugural
• inauguration
• induction
• installation
• installment
• instalment
• investiture
• investment

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club

crimes committed as part of gang initiations

the initiation of judicial proceedings

Recent Examples on the Web

Venture Global — Shares of the liquified natural gas provider, which went public late last month, popped 6% on the back of multiple Wall Street initiations. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025

The initiation fee was $40,000, plus another $12,000 annually. —Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025

This is all granted with a one-time initiation fee and annual membership dues, though Neal declines to disclose numbers. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2025

Zoom in: For now at Black Iris, digital assets can only be used to purchase Black Iris memberships, which start at a $275 initiation fee and $37 a month thereafter, per their website. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Kids Definition

initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən 

1

: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction

2

: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society