valedictorian

[val-i-dik-tawr-ee-uhn, -tohr-]

noun

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

valedictorian

/ ˌvælɪdɪkˈtɔːrɪən /

adjective

1. saying goodbye

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of valedictorian¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Several students also criticized the administration’s decision to not name a valedictorian — or let that person speak.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, the university faced criticism after it pulled a commencement speaker slot for a pro-Palestinian, Muslim valedictorian.

From Los Angeles Times

"American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long," Ramaswamy complained on Musk's X, denouncing a culture that celebrates "the jock over the valedictorian."

From Salon

“A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers,” the billionaire added.

From Salon