scholarship

American  

[skol-er-ship] / ˈskɒl ərˌʃɪp /

noun

• scholarships
  plural

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.

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scholarship British  

/ ˈskɒləʃɪp /

noun

1. academic achievement; erudition; learning

2. 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

3. the qualities of a scholar

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Synonym Usage

See learning.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• scholarships
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of scholarship

First recorded in 1525–35; scholar + -ship

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scholarship scholarships

Suk’s scholarship focuses on the processes of constitutional amendment and reform and the feminist constitutional movements.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

The Nobel Committee lauded Carson for her distinctive style that mixes classical scholarship, lyric poetry and avant-garde translation, often reimagining ancient Greek mythology and philosophy through a personal, contemporary feminist lens.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Kane's desire to learn and improve endeared him to the Tottenham academy staff and he signed scholarship terms with the club on his 16th birthday in July 2009.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

Claire was also active in helping fund research — he and his wife, Sheryl, set up a scholarship fund with the USC Keck School of Medicine for research in head and neck cancer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

Algebra threatened to put an end to my scholarship.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

The 2025 University Funding Law calls for inflation-linked salary increases dated to December 2023, as well as the restoration of student scholarships and more funding for university operations.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026

Some of those selected will feature in a Pro Flag Showcase during Super Bowl week in February while an increasing number of flag football scholarships are being made available at US colleges.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Pearlman supports campus efforts to create foundations for scholarships and lobbying Sacramento and Washington to keep funding, including student aid, at necessary levels.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

A tuition cut used to be risky because a school giving out $10,000 scholarships seemed more prestigious than one whose sticker price was $10,000 cheaper.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

But because of scholarships we all sat at the same table.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

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Related Words

• assistance
• award
• charity
• donation
• fellowship
• financial aid
• reward

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