Illustration of mortarboard
- mortarboard 1
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
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
Examples of mortarboard in a Sentence
The students donned robes and mortarboards for graduation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stock image/file photo: A mortarboard laid on top of a calculator.
—
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Bridging the Wealth Gap for the Next Generation, Graduation Should Be a Launchpad for All
Every June, as mortarboards fly and proud parents fumble with the camera settings, graduation season brings with it a sense of hope and possibility.
—Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Despite the location change, the commencement was full of proud parents, festive emotions and colorful mortarboards.
—Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
In keeping with tradition, New Trier High School seniors eschewed graduation gowns and mortarboards in favor of white dresses for the girls and white jackets and black trousers for the boys at their June 1, 2025 graduation at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mortarboard
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Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Bridging the Wealth Gap for the Next Generation, Graduation Should Be a Launchpad for All
Every June, as mortarboards fly and proud parents fumble with the camera settings, graduation season brings with it a sense of hope and possibility.
—Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Despite the location change, the commencement was full of proud parents, festive emotions and colorful mortarboards.
—Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
In keeping with tradition, New Trier High School seniors eschewed graduation gowns and mortarboards in favor of white dresses for the girls and white jackets and black trousers for the boys at their June 1, 2025 graduation at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mortarboard
Cite this Entry
“Mortarboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mortarboard. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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