valedictorian

noun

val·​e·​dic·​to·​ri·​an ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce valedictorian (audio)
: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence

She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mangione was the 2016 class valedictorian at the Gilman School, a prestigious private school in Baltimore where tuition can run nearly $40,000 annually. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 Mangione was Gilman valedictorian for having achieved the highest cumulative GPA over four years, according to his LinkedIn. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Mangione graduated from the private Gilman School in Baltimore in 2016 as the class valedictorian, PEOPLE confirms. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Who’d have thought the quiet, bookish Etting, valedictorian of the Class of 1977, would wind up as mayor of Harford County’s bustling hub? Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for valedictorian 

Word History

Etymology

valedictor(y) + -ian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valedictorian was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near valedictorian

Cite this Entry

“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

valedictorian

noun
vale·​dic·​to·​ri·​an
ˌval-ə-ˌdik-ˈtōr-ē-ən,
-ˈtȯr-
: the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies

More from Merriam-Webster on valedictorian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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