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Synonyms

scholarship

American  
[skol-er-ship] / ˈskɒl ərˌʃɪp /

noun

  1. learning; knowledge acquired by study; the academic attainments of a scholar.

  2. a sum of money or other aid granted to a student, because of merit, need, etc., to pursue their studies.

  3. the position or status of a student who has been granted money or other aid to pursue their studies.

  4. a foundation to provide financial assistance to students.


scholarship British  
/ ˈskɒləʃɪp /

noun

  1. academic achievement; erudition; learning

    1. financial aid provided for a scholar because of academic merit

    2. the position of a student who gains this financial aid

    3. ( as modifier )

      a scholarship student

  2. the qualities of a scholar

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See learning.

Etymology

Origin of scholarship

First recorded in 1525–35; scholar + -ship

Explanation

Scholarship is the research done by academics. Or if you receive a scholarship, you're getting an award that will help pay the cost of tuition at school. If you're getting ready for college, chances are you're also looking to see if any scholarships are available. A scholarship is a great thing to get: it means you don't have to pay full tuition to go to a school. Scholarships are awarded for good grades, athletic success, and other accomplishments. Once you get in to school, you'll be engaged in another kind of scholarship — the kind that has to do with research, studying, and higher learning.

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Vocabulary lists containing scholarship

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Long known as a centre of Islamic scholarship and city wary of Muammar Gaddafi's authoritarian rule, Derna became a stronghold of Al-Qaeda and later the Islamic State group after the 2011 uprising.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

He was honored on Tuesday, receiving a $1,500 scholarship from the City Section for his academic and athletic commitment.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The museum said the decision to postpone was taken to "protect" the event and it remains "committed to providing a space where history, culture and scholarship can be explored openly, respectfully and without disruption".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

The scandal wasn’t merely that hoax papers were published, but that they were indistinguishable from actual scholarship in those fields.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Zach just got accepted to University of Washington on a full scholarship to study financial engineering.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

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