commencement

noun

com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt How to pronounce commencement (audio)
1
: an act, instance, or time of commencing
They awaited the commencement of the trial.
2
a
: the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas
A Nobel Prize winner will speak at the commencement.
b
: the period of activities at this time
Commencement will kick off with a family reception followed by a banquet.

Examples of commencement in a Sentence

A poet will speak at the commencement. there was a large turnout at the commencement of the conference, but the numbers dwindled as it progressed
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.
In 1979, Radner gave the commencement speech—fully in character as Roseanne Roseannadanna—to the graduating class at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, part of which wound up on her comedy album Gilda Radner: Live From New York, released that same year. Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2025 In 2019, at age 99, she was honored by Winston-Salem State and walked across the stage with the graduating class during a commencement ceremony. Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2025 The school initially released a statement on its Facebook page claiming that AI had never been used in a WCU commencement ceremony. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025 One is an essay for a gathering of poet laureates; the other is a commencement address for their Maine High School. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commencement

Word History

Etymology

see commence

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commencement was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Commencement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commencement. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

commencement

noun
com·​mence·​ment kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt How to pronounce commencement (audio)
1
: an act, instance, or time of commencing
2
: the ceremonies or the day for presenting degrees or diplomas to graduates of a school or college

More from Merriam-Webster on commencement

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