graduated

adjective

grad·​u·​at·​ed ˈgra-jə-ˌwā-təd 

1

: marked with divisions indicating degrees or units of measurement

a graduated cylinder/tube

graduated measuring cups

2

a

: divided into or arranged in grades, steps, or successive levels usually proportionally

a graduated series of honors

b

of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : progressive

a graduated income tax

Examples of graduated in a Sentence

a series of bowls in graduated sizes

Recent Examples on the Web

The necklace was designed as a graduated fringe, according to Hancocks London, and features motifs such as a winged enamel scarab, a large faience scarab and a carved carnelian shell. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Even without graduated stars like Purdue’s Jake Wilson, who threw 50 touchdowns to four interceptions and posted a 4,181-yard season, this year’s Byron Nelson squad (3–0) is on course for another electric season offensively, averaging 49 points per game through three contests. —Myah Taylor, Dallas News, 12 Sep. 2023

Among the groups poised to benefit are those who took out large loans for professional school prior to the expansion of IDR and have repaid them on a graduated or extended (non-IDR) plan. —Preston Cooper, Forbes, 17 July 2023

Tiffany & Co's graduated diamond necklace makes for a refined take on the riviere. —Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 5 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

see graduate entry 1

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing graduated

• graduated cylinder

Kids Definition

graduated

adjective

grad·​u·​at·​ed

: marked with divisions indicating degrees or units of measurement

graduated measuring cups

Legal Definition

graduated

adjective

grad·​u·​at·​ed

ˈgra-jə-ˌwā-təd

of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : progressive