Commencement Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)
Britannica Dictionary definition of COMMENCEMENT
formal
1
[noncount]
:
the time when something begins
:
— usually + of
- They awaited the commencement of the trial.
- It's the first attempt at peace since the commencement [=_start_] of hostilities.
2
US
:
a ceremony during which degrees or diplomas are given to students who have graduated from a school or college
[noncount]
- the week before commencement [=_graduation_]
[count]
- A poet will speak at the commencement.
— often used before another noun
- a commencement speech/address/ceremony
- commencement exercises