graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity

also : these marks

2

a

: the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma

b

: commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks

Synonyms

• hierarchy
• ladder
• ordering
• ranking
• scale

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

In her own statement, Karma shared her plans for after graduation. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Get more details on diploma changes:Learn more on the latest proposal to change Indiana's high school graduation requirements. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024

Other Issues on the Ballot The ballot would also include a measure to remove the current high school graduation requirement for passing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in subjects like math, science and English. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Given gains in high school graduation rates and community health, the analysis estimates the improvements could return $3 to a community for every $1 invested. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a mark or the marks on an instrument or container indicating degrees or quantity

2

a

: an act or process of graduating

b

: the ceremony marking the completion by a student of a course of study at a school or college : commencement

3

: arrangement in degrees or ranks