mortarboard

American  

[mawr-ter-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈmɔr tərˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a board, usually square, used by masons to hold mortar.

2. Also called cap.  a cap with a close-fitting crown surmounted by a stiff, flat, square piece from which a tassel hangs, worn as part of academic costume.

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mortarboard British  

/ ˈmɔːtəˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a black tasselled academic cap with a flat square top covered with cloth

2. Also called: hawk.  a small square board with a handle on the underside for carrying mortar

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Etymology

Origin of mortarboard

First recorded in 1850–55; mortar ² + board

Example Sentences

Trading your mortarboard for a company badge is exciting.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The figure wears academic robes and a mortarboard.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2024

For her graduation in 2020, she decorated her mortarboard with flower and butterfly cutouts and the words, “For The Lives That I Will Change.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2022

“I may have taken off my mortarboard and put on whatever hat a diplomat wears, but I’m doing the same thing,” Lipstadt said.

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2022

At eighteen, Belky wears a blue gown and mortarboard for her high school graduation.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario