scholarship

American  

[skol-er-ship] / ˈskɒl ərˌʃɪp /

noun

• scholarships
  plural

1. learning; knowledge acquired by study; the academic attainments of a scholar.

2. a sum of money or other aid granted to a student, because of merit, need, etc., to pursue their studies.

3. the position or status of a student who has been granted money or other aid to pursue their studies.

4. a foundation to provide financial assistance to students.

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scholarship British  

/ ˈskɒləʃɪp /

noun

1. academic achievement; erudition; learning

2. 1. financial aid provided for a scholar because of academic merit

   2. the position of a student who gains this financial aid

   3. ( as modifier )

      a scholarship student

3. the qualities of a scholar

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Synonym Usage

See learning.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• scholarships
  plural

Etymology

Origin of scholarship

First recorded in 1525–35; scholar + -ship

Explanation

Scholarship is the research done by academics. Or if you receive a scholarship, you're getting an award that will help pay the cost of tuition at school. If you're getting ready for college, chances are you're also looking to see if any scholarships are available. A scholarship is a great thing to get: it means you don't have to pay full tuition to go to a school. Scholarships are awarded for good grades, athletic success, and other accomplishments. Once you get in to school, you'll be engaged in another kind of scholarship — the kind that has to do with research, studying, and higher learning.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scholarship scholarships

In 2018, Cambridge said it needed help to attract more talented black students, and unexpectedly the rapper Stormzy answered the call by setting up a scholarship to encourage students to apply.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

"Also, I'm working for myself to get a scholarship to travel."

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

Higher education is in real financial trouble and Strouse’s lost scholarship is one piece of the growing collateral damage.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

She eventually decided to switch to softball because it was the only way to get a college scholarship.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026

A full-tuition scholarship was unlikely, but I could maybe get half.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Almost all draft prospects come through the American college system, which is why the academy was designed to help international players earn scholarships and prepare them for the NFL, mentally and physically.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

She could contribute through scholarships, part-time work and college loans — or she could opt for a less expensive school.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

Remember the days when Division I schools were limited to 11.7 scholarships.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

She and her sister later went to college on scholarships and lived out their own American Dreams.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

He and his wife were the band’s main sponsors, giving scholarships to needy musicians.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

Related Words

• assistance
• award
• charity
• donation
• fellowship
• financial aid
• reward