Phi Beta Kappa

American  

[fahy bey-tuh kap-uh, bee-tuh] / ˈfaɪ ˈbeɪ tə ˈkæp ə, ˈbi tə /

noun

1. a national honor society, founded in 1776, whose members are chosen, for lifetime membership, usually from among college undergraduates of high academic distinction.

2. a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

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Phi Beta Kappa British  

/ ˈfaɪ ˈbeɪtə ˈkæpə, ˈbiːtə /

noun

1. a national honorary society, founded in 1776, membership of which is based on high academic ability

2. a member of this society

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Etymology

Origin of Phi Beta Kappa

from the initials of the Greek motto philosophia biou kubernētēs philosophy the guide of life

Example Sentences

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

She became a Swiss citizen at age 14 and was a Phi Beta Kappa when she graduated from Stanford with a degree in political science.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2023

At Columbia University, from which he graduated in 1958, he edited the campus newspaper and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2022

He was offered membership in Phi Beta Kappa but declined, insisting that titles and honors are irrelevant.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer