diploma

[dih-ploh-muh]

noun

plural

diplomas ,

plural

diplomata .

1. a document given by an educational institution conferring a degree on a person or certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed a course of study.

2. a document conferring some honor, privilege, or power.

3. a public or official document, especially one of historical interest.

   a diploma from Carolingian times.

verb (used with object)

diplomaed, diplomaing 

1. to grant or award a diploma to.

diploma

/ dɪˈpləʊmə /

noun

1. a document conferring a qualification, recording success in examinations or successful completion of a course of study

2. an official document that confers an honour or privilege

Other Word Forms

• prediploma noun
• undiplomaed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploma¹

1635–45; < Latin diplōma a letter of recommendation, an official document < Greek díplōma a letter folded double, equivalent to diplō-, variant stem of diploûn to double (derivative of diplóos; diplo- ) + -ma suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploma¹

C17: from Latin: official letter or document, literally: letter folded double, from Greek; see _diplo-

Example Sentences

The Nobel Prize comes with a diploma, a gold medal and a $1.2 million prize sum.

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They held binders and manila folders that contained resumes and diplomas.

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Millie, 16, is moving to a further education college in September to study for a diploma in performing arts.

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Her university has an unwritten rule that students must sign an employment contract or provide proof of internship within one year of graduation; otherwise, they won't receive a diploma.

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His wife took his place in the ceremony and accepted his diploma on his behalf.

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Related Words

• credentials www.thesaurus.com
• degree 
• recognition 
• voucher 
• warrant