# diploma

/dɪˈpɫoʊmɑ/ (US) · /dɪplˈəʊmɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diploma
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

an official document that shows you have finished a course of study or graduated from a school.

For teachers: a certificate issued by an educational institution, such as a university or high school, testifying that the recipient has successfully completed a particular course of study.

## Examples

- She proudly hung her high school diploma on the wall.
- After three years of hard work, he finally received his diploma in graphic design during the graduation ceremony.
- While a degree usually represents a multi-year academic program, a diploma often focuses on specific vocational skills required for immediate entry into a professional field.

## Usage notes

- Commonly takes the preposition 'in' to specify the subject of study.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.