commencement
noun
an act or instance of commencing; beginning.
commencements
-
pluralof commencement.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
“I have presided over 28 commencements as a president and dean, and those ceremonies are about celebrating the graduates and their supporters,” Schapiro wrote in a letter declining the speech.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026
Few West Coast universities rival the pomp of the University of Southern California’s commencements.
From New York Times ● May 8, 2024
Numerous speakers tapped for keynote speeches at other academic commencements have canceled their appearances.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2024
Poet laureates represent the state in inaugural speeches, commencements, poetry readings and educational events, said Kim Konikow, executive director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 7, 2023
For my final round of commencements as First Lady, I spoke at Jackson State University in Mississippi, another historically black school, using the opportunity to talk about striving for excellence.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
