# graduation

/ˌɡɹædʒəˈweɪʃən/ (US) · /ɡɹˌædjuːˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/graduation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. completing studies

noun · CEFR B1

the act of finishing your studies at a school, college, or university and getting a degree.

For teachers: the successful completion of a course of study at an educational institution, resulting in the conferral of a degree or diploma.

- After four years of hard work, her graduation from medical school was a proud moment.
- The university tracks graduation rates over a five-year period to assess the effectiveness of its student support programmes.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

### 2. the ceremony

noun · CEFR B1

the special event or party where students receive their diplomas.

For teachers: a formal commencement ceremony where degrees or diplomas are publicly conferred upon students.

- The whole family travelled across the country to attend his graduation.
- The graduation was held in the main auditorium, featuring a keynote speech by a prominent civil rights lawyer.

Usage: Commonly used with the definite article 'the' or as an attributive noun like 'graduation ceremony'.

Teaching tip: In American English, 'commencement' is a very common formal synonym for this event.

### 3. measurement marks

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the lines or marks on a container or tool used for measuring things.

For teachers: a mark or series of marks on an instrument or container used to indicate a scale of measurement.

- Check the graduations on the side of the jug to see how much water you need.
- The technician noted that the graduations on the glass cylinder had faded, making it difficult to record precise volume measurements.

Usage: Usually appears in the plural form when referring to the set of marks on a scale.

## Examples

- My whole family attended my graduation last summer.
- After four years of hard work, she finally celebrated her graduation from the school of medicine.
- The university holds its annual graduation in the main square, where hundreds of students gather in traditional robes to receive their certificates before the faculty.

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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.