mortarboard

noun

mor·​tar·​board ˈmȯr-tər-ˌbȯrd 

plural mortarboards

1

: an academic cap consisting of a closely fitting headpiece with a broad flat projecting square top

2

a

: hawk sense 2

b

: a square board or platform designed for holding mortar during construction and often measuring about two or three feet (one meter) on each side

Illustration of mortarboard

• mortarboard 1

Examples of mortarboard in a Sentence

The students donned robes and mortarboards for graduation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tasselled mortarboards will be tossed in the air in my absence. —Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024

Like graduations across the region, the commencement was full of proud parents, festive emotion and colorful mortarboards — even on a hot day that later reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit in Sacramento. —Hector Amezcua, Sacramento Bee, 12 June 2024

See what graduates are putting on their mortarboards this year and check out our favorites with a full gallery from multiple commencement ceremonies. —Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 31 May 2024

The actress posed in her gown and mortarboard, plus two honor stoles, for the big day. 08 of 22 Hank Randall Kendra Wilkinson's first son is off to high school! —Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 3 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

mortarboard

noun

mor·​tar·​board ˈmȯrt-ər-ˌbō(ə)rd 

-ˌbȯ(ə)rd

1

: a board used to hold mortar while it is being applied

2

: an academic cap with a broad flat square top and tassel that is worn at graduation and other ceremonies