Phi Beta Kappa
Americannoun
-
a national honor society, founded in 1776, whose members are chosen, for lifetime membership, usually from among college undergraduates of high academic distinction.
-
a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
noun
-
a national honorary society, founded in 1776, membership of which is based on high academic ability
-
a member of this society
Etymology
Origin of Phi Beta Kappa
from the initials of the Greek motto philosophia biou kubernētēs philosophy the guide of life
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.
Even into my adulthood he suggested I display it in my office alongside my Phi Beta Kappa parchment so that visitors could assess my character as well as my academic achievements.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026
He grew up here, was valedictorian at Jefferson High School and a Phi Beta Kappa political science student at UCLA.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2023
He graduated in 1956 and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 5, 2022
Woods grew up in metro Phoenix and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Occidental College in 1976.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 23, 2021
She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Boston University, and her otherwise all male class elected her class president.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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.
