valedictorian

American  

[val-i-dik-tawr-ee-uhn, -tohr-] / ˌvæl ɪ dɪkˈtɔr i ən, -ˈtoʊr- /

noun

1. a student, usually the one ranking highest academically in a school graduating class, who delivers the valedictory at the commencement exercises.

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valedictorian British  

/ ˌvælɪdɪkˈtɔːrɪən /

adjective

1. saying goodbye

2. of or relating to a farewell or an occasion of farewell

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noun

1. a person, usually the most outstanding graduate, who delivers a farewell speech at a graduation ceremony

Etymology

Origin of valedictorian

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60; valedictory + -an

Compare meaning

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

• valedictorian vs. salutatorian

Example Sentences

Fatoke, the valedictorian, became a certified nursing assistant at Worcester Tech high school, and is now in college on a pre-med track.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fernando and Osmin were both valedictorians of their high school, and each earned a merit scholarship that covered tuition and housing at Loyola University New Orleans.

From The Wall Street Journal

At school, Harvey applied herself and graduated valedictorian.

From Los Angeles Times

She went on to become valedictorian of her public high school and the first member of her family to go to college.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now he’s 6 feet 3, 205 pounds, only 16 years old, has a football scholarship offer from Stanford and wants to be his school’s valedictorian in 2027.

From Los Angeles Times