diploma

American  

[dih-ploh-muh] / dɪˈploʊ mə /

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.

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verb (used with object)

diplomaed, diplomaing

1. to grant or award a diploma to.

diploma British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• prediploma noun
• undiplomaed adjective

Etymology

Origin of diploma

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

Example Sentences

He also took night classes and got his high-school diploma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The top eight receive a diploma for their achievements.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Although the education requirement to be hired as an EA at most companies is a high-school diploma, these roles are often regarded as the backbone of an organization.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

Then spike your diploma to the floor and walk out.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

He proudly displayed his new diploma at home, excitedly mounting it one weekend in a frame he’d bought the week he received his test scores.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Related Words

• credentials
• degree
• recognition
• voucher
• warrant