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Definition of salutatorian

salutatorian

/səˌluːtəˈtɔːriən/
sa · lu · ta · to · ri · an
Plural:salutatorians
•
Adjective:salutatory
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salutatorian Lexical Profile

salutatorian Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American The student with the second-highest academic rank in a graduating class, who traditionally delivers the welcoming address (salutatory) at the commencement ceremony.

Example

"As the high school salutatorian, she welcomed the parents, faculty, and fellow graduates at the start of the ceremony."

Word Nuance & Usage

Often paired or confused with 'valedictorian', which refers to the highest-ranking student who delivers the farewell speech; the 'salutatorian' ranks second and traditionally delivers the opening welcome address.

• Rhymes for salutatorian

• Nearby Words

salumi
salutation
salutational
salutatorian
salute
salvador
salvadoran

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the mid-19th century from 'salutatory' plus the suffix '-an', ultimately deriving from the Latin verb 'salutare', meaning 'to greet' or 'to wish health to'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Salutatorian. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/salutatorian
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