noun · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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General-American:/ˌɡɹæd͡ʒuˈeɪʃən/
Received-Pronunciation:/ˌɡɹædjuˈeɪʃən/
rhymes with -eɪʃən
UK:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:G R AE2 JH UW0 EY1 SH AH0 N
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
CMU ARPABET 2:G R AE2 JH AH0 W EY1 SH AH0 N
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The action or process of graduating and receiving a diploma for completing a course of study (such as from an educational institution).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The graduation ball was the students' chance to say goodbye to each other.
After my graduation, I took a year out to travel, then went into an office job.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A commencement ceremony.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The action or process of leaving a group.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Japanese, countable, uncountable
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle
Examples
graduation from AKB48
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A marking (e.g., on a container) indicating a measurement on a scale, usually one of many such markings; the making of such marks.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
The exposure of a liquid in large surfaces to the air, so as to hasten its evaporation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
Synonym of gradation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: gradation
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
the successful completion of a program of study
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: completion, culmination, closing, windup, mop up
8
noun
Meaning 8
the act of arranging in grades
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: gradation
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: quantification
Narrower terms: shading, blending
9
noun
Meaning 9
a line (as on a vessel or ruler) that marks a measurement
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the ruler had 16 graduations per inch
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: line
10
noun
Meaning 10
an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.