# valedictorian

/ˌvæɫəˌdɪkˈtɔɹiən/ (US) · /vˌælɪdɪktˈɔːɹiən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/valedictorian
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the student who has the highest grades in their class and gives a speech at the graduation ceremony. This person is usually very smart and hard-working.

For teachers: the student with the highest academic standing in a graduating class, who traditionally delivers a farewell speech at the graduation ceremony. Often used as a title or a proper noun when referring to a specific individual.

## Examples

- She was named valedictorian after four years of hard work.
- The valedictorian spoke about the importance of community and how the school prepared them for the future.
- While the valedictorian's speech is often a highlight of the ceremony, the title itself carries significant weight in the college admissions process, signaling exceptional academic discipline and intellectual curiosity.

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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.