ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grad

n.
US //ˈɡɹæd// UK //ɡɹˈæd// grad
  1. 1 a graduate (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a person who has finished their university or college degree.

    a person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or graduate degree.

    Example

    She is a recent college grad looking for her first job in marketing.

    Example

    The company specifically targets recent grads for their internship programme, hoping to recruit fresh talent directly from the top universities.

    Usage

    Commonly used as a modifier in phrases like 'grad school' or 'grad student'.
  2. 2 graduation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    the ceremony or time when you finish your studies.

    a clipping of 'graduation', referring to the ceremony or the state of having completed a degree.

    Example

    Are you planning to go back home after grad?

    Example

    The students spent the weeks leading up to grad preparing their final portfolios and applying for entry-level positions.

    Usage

    Often used in casual conversation to refer to the event itself.

Last updated June 20, 2026