salutatorian

American  

[suh-loo-tuh-tawr-ee-uhn, -tohr-] / səˌlu təˈtɔr i ən, -ˈtoʊr- /

noun

1. (in some U.S. schools and colleges) the student ranking second highest in the graduating class, who delivers the salutatory at commencement.

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Etymology

Origin of salutatorian

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; salutatory + -an

Compare meaning

How does salutatorian compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• valedictorian vs. salutatorian

Example Sentences

Page, the salutatorian, hugged his family as they met him outside the arena.

From Washington Post • Jun. 21, 2022

She ranked second in her class as the salutatorian.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2021

After graduating as Princeton’s 2006 salutatorian, Padilla earned a master’s degree from Oxford and a doctorate from Stanford.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2021

Excelling in both academics and athletics, he graduated as Mabton High School’s Class of 1957 salutatorian.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2020

Quentin, his B’s in phys. ed. catching up with him, was the salutatorian, tied with Billy.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam