dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-shən 

: an extended usually written treatment of a subject

specifically : one submitted for a doctorate

wrote her dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet

dissertational

ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of dissertation in a Sentence

He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the research for his doctoral dissertation, Nelson studied Ford Motor Company’s electronics division (now Visteon) and its effort to completely overhaul the product design and delivery processes. —Nelson P. Repenning, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

However, Garrett seems to want to have it both ways with the character (who’s writing her dissertation on virtue ethics), giving her integrity but then undermining her with doubts and eyeroll-inducing Gen Z clichés. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025

Danielle Wirsansky is writing her dissertation and is already in possession of multiple degrees from Florida State University. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

When Ansfield filed their dissertation on this topic, in 2021, the response was rapturous. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dissertation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdis-ər-ˈtā-shən 

: a long usually written treatment of a subject