commencement

noun

com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt 

1

: an act, instance, or time of commencing

They awaited the commencement of the trial.

2

a

: the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas

A Nobel Prize winner will speak at the commencement.

b

: the period of activities at this time

Commencement will kick off with a family reception followed by a banquet.

Synonyms

• beginning
• start
• inception
• onset
• launch

Examples of commencement in a Sentence

A poet will speak at the commencement.

there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed

Recent Examples on the Web

Harvard University graduates attend the university’s 374th commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. —Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025

Alternative starting points could include the presentation of renderings, an application for permits, the purchasing of building supplies or the commencement of construction. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 June 2025

They were recognized for their achievements during Del Norte’s commencement ceremony on June 12 and led their class in turning their tassels. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

Last month, the governor delivered the commencement address at Lincoln University, a historically Black university in the swing state of Pennsylvania. —Julia Manchester, The Hill, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see commence

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

commencement

noun

com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt 

1

: an act, instance, or time of commencing

2

: the ceremonies or the day for presenting degrees or diplomas to graduates of a school or college