English Reference
noun

dedication

n.
US /ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/ UK /dˌɛdɪkˈeɪʃən/ ded·i·ca·tion UK spelling dedications

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the willingness to give a lot of your time and energy to something because it is important.

    the quality of being committed to a task or purpose; personal devotion to a cause or career.

    Simple

    Her dedication to her nursing job is clear to everyone who meets her.

    In context

    The project's success was largely due to the tireless dedication of the research team, who worked through several weekends to meet the deadline.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'to'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a short message at the beginning of a book or song to show thanks or respect to someone.

    an inscription or note at the beginning of a literary or artistic work, typically addressed to a patron or loved one.

    Simple

    The author wrote a touching dedication to his parents on the first page.

    In context

    The composer included a formal dedication to his mentor in the printed score of the symphony.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    a formal ceremony to celebrate the completion or opening of something new, like a building.

    a ceremony marking the official completion or opening of a public building, monument, or institution.

    Simple

    The mayor attended the dedication of the new library last Saturday.

    In context

    The dedication of the war memorial was a somber event attended by hundreds of local residents and veterans.

    consecrationopeninginauguration
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Law

    the act of giving up land or property for public use.

    the donation of land or rights by an owner to the public or a government body for a specific use.

    Simple

    The developer agreed to the dedication of the park to the city.

    In context

    The court ruled that the long-term public use of the path constituted an implied dedication by the previous landowner.

    Usage

    Used in property law to describe the transfer of private land to public ownership.

PC Blades' wife said he "gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness".

BBC News· 24 Aug 2026

Few exemplified this dedication to liberty as much as Barry.

Smithsonian Magazine· 1 Jul 2026

Originated 1350–1400 from Middle English dedicacioun, from Old French dedicacion (“consecration of a church or chapel”), from Latin dēdicātiō, equivalent to dēdicātus+-iōn.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin dedicatio
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated