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dedication

noun
ded·​i·​ca·​tion | \ ˌde-di-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce dedication (audio) \

Definition of dedication

1 religion : an act or rite of dedicating (see dedicate entry 2 sense 1) to a divine being or to a sacred use the dedication of the temple
2 : a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose the dedication of funds raised from the bake sale to the class trip
3 : a name and often a message prefixed to a literary, musical, or artistic production in tribute to a person or cause mentioned his family in a brief dedication in his novel
4 : self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty her dedication to the cause required hard work and dedication
5 : a ceremony to mark the official completion or opening of something (such as a building) attended the building's dedication nearly fifty years ago
Other Words from dedication Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about dedication

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Other Words from dedication

dedicatory \ ˈde-​di-​kə-​ˌtÈŻr-​ē How to pronounce dedicatory (audio) \ adjective

Did You Know?

The word dedication first appears in the 14th century as a name for the solemn act of dedicating something, such as a calendar day or a church, to a divine being or to a sacred use. The word—formed from the Latin past participle of dedicare, meaning "to dedicate"—did not take hold in secular contexts until a few centuries later when English speakers began using it to refer to the act of devoting time and energy to a particular purpose. One of the earliest writers to do so is William Shakespeare. "His life I gave him, and did thereto ad / My love without retention or restraint, / All his in dedication
.," proclaims his character Antonio in Twelfth Night. Dedication has also come to describe the quality of being loyal or devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose. Nowadays, people are commonly spoken of as having a dedication to his or her family or work.

Examples of dedication in a Sentence

It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but we managed to finish the project on time. the dedication of the temple They celebrated the dedication of the new building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Here’s where to sign up for the season pass: Mercury News, East Bay Times Here is the Q&A: Q: Thoughts about the field dedication in your honor? — Darren Sabedra, The Mercury News, "Q&A: South Bay coaching legend talks state of football, more," 28 Aug. 2019 The dedication was followed by the first official dive of the site, attended by area veterans. — Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, "Florida home to nation’s first underwater dive memorial to veterans," 6 Aug. 2019 At the park dedication Saturday, Cummings pushed back on Trump's criticism. — Ledyard King, USA TODAY, "'Don't just come and criticize': Elijah Cummings defends Baltimore in face of Trump's insults," 3 Aug. 2019 The formal dedication is planned for Oct. 12, two days before what would have been Eisenhower’s 129th birthday. — BostonGlobe.com, "Newly renovated Eisenhower museum reopens in Kansas," 29 July 2019 The week of the Governor’s Cup holds a special place in Wood’s heart because of the dedication and focus that the Balboa Yacht Club puts into the event. — Andrew Turner, Daily Pilot, "David Wood sails again for Balboa Yacht Club in Governor’s Cup," 17 July 2019 An estimated 30,000 people attended the dedication. — Brian Contreras, The Seattle Times, "Sea-Tac at 70: One of America’s busiest airports celebrates birthday," 16 July 2019 Jason Hammel, a former Major League pitcher who retired this year after playing 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals and others, donated $10,000 and attended the dedication in 2017. — Ted Slowik, Daily Southtown, "Slowik: Baseball field creates sense of community pride in Ford Heights," 7 June 2019 This acquisition signifies Airbnb’s dedication to attracting a business traveler. — Polina Marinova, Fortune, "There Are 5 New Billion-Dollar Companies In Today’s Fortune Term Sheet," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dedication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of dedication

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for dedication

see dedicate entry 1

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More Definitions for dedication

dedication

noun
How to pronounce dedication (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of dedication

: a feeling of very strong support for or loyalty to someone or something : the quality or state of being dedicated to a person, group, cause, etc.
: a message at the beginning of a book, song, etc., saying that it was written or is being performed in order to honor or express affection for someone
: the act of officially saying that something (such as a new building) was created for a particular purpose (such as worship) or to remember or honor a particular person

See the full definition for dedication in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dedication

noun
ded·​i·​ca·​tion | \ ˌde-di-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce dedication (audio) \

Kids Definition of dedication

1 : an act of setting apart for a special purpose The dedication of the park will take place today.
2 : a message at the beginning of a work of art (as a book or a song) saying that it is written or performed to honor someone
3 : extreme devotion We admire his dedication to the cause.

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