1 graduation | Definition of graduation

graduation

noun
grad·​u·​a·​tion | \ ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio) \

Definition of graduation

1 : a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity also : these marks
2a : the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma
3 : arrangement in degrees or ranks

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Synonyms for graduation

Synonyms

hierarchy, ladder, ordering, ranking, scale

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

On May 16, 2016, scores of adoring parents gathered at Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, beaming as 2,225 undergraduates threw their mortarboards into the air, colorful graduation cords swinging from their necks. Rebecca Tan, Longreads, "Paul Clarke Wants to Live," 3 Sep. 2019 The project is expected to be completed by graduation. Lilly Nguyen, Daily Pilot, "Building projects keep Newport-Mesa busy as new school year draws near," 31 Aug. 2019 Unable to find a school with which to merge, Allen announced in January that the school's 184th graduation would be its last. CBS News, "Expert predicts 25% of colleges will "fail" in the next 20 years," 31 Aug. 2019 Since graduation, Icardi has performed with the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra, West Shore Chorale and The Ashland Symphony. Sam Boyer, cleveland.com, "Young musician strikes happy note with opening of Medina violin studio," 30 Aug. 2019 After graduation in September, Nieves hopes to land a job with a power company in the Carolinas. Washington Post, "High-voltage women wanted; must enjoy breaking ground," 29 Aug. 2019 In addition to the posters, the students distributed flyers with the same accusations about McAlear at campus events including graduation and WesFest. Kathleen Mcwilliams, courant.com, "In lawsuit against Wesleyan, professor accuses school of failing to protect him from 'slanderous and vicious personal attacks’ labeling him a sex offender," 29 Aug. 2019 To reach potential students, UNT-Dallas has been eager to join and create partnerships with neighboring school districts, DCCCD and area businesses, striving to build a smoother pathway from high school graduation to a high-demand job. Corbett Smith, Dallas News, "‘It allows us to dream big:’ The fastest-growing college in Texas fills a gap by focusing on homegrown students," 26 Aug. 2019 Fewer than 40 of the 104 players remain on the roster, because of graduation, relocation or family reasons. Rusty Simmons, SFChronicle.com, "Paradise High returns to the football field, providing a devastated town with hope," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'graduation.' 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 graduation

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for graduation

graduation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of graduation

: the act of receiving a diploma or degree from a school, college, or university : the act of graduating
: a ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are given out

graduation

noun
grad·​u·​a·​tion | \ ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio) \

Kids Definition of graduation

1 : the act or process of finishing a course of study

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