noun
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a black tasselled academic cap with a flat square top covered with cloth
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Also called: hawk. a small square board with a handle on the underside for carrying mortar
Etymology
Origin of mortarboard
Vocabulary lists containing mortarboard
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.
Trading your mortarboard for a company badge is exciting.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
The actor and comedian wore a ceremonial red and black robe and mortarboard hat for the ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2022
The material is taped to a cable beneath the helicopter’s solar panel, which is perched on top like a graduate’s mortarboard.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 23, 2021
Jan. 20: Dr. Jill Biden doubles down by wearing a mortarboard to the inauguration.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 7, 2021
He stands proud in a blue gown and mortarboard.
From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
