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Definition of valedictorian

valedictorian

/ˌvæl.ə.dɪkˈtɔːr.i.ən/
val · e · dic · to · ri · an
Plural:valedictorians
•
Adjective:valedictory
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valedictorian Lexical Profile

valedictorian Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A student, typically having the highest academic achievements of a graduating class, who delivers the farewell speech at a graduation ceremony.

Example

"As the class valedictorian, she spent weeks perfecting her speech for the upcoming commencement ceremony."

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'valedictorian' (the highest-ranking student who delivers the closing farewell address) with 'salutatorian' (the second-highest-ranking student who delivers the opening greeting).

• Rhymes for valedictorian

• Nearby Words

valdivia
valdivia river
vale
valedictorian
valence
valencia
valenciennes

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the mid-18th century from 'valedictory' plus the suffix '-an', ultimately deriving from the Latin phrase 'vale dicere', meaning 'to say farewell'.

Cite this Entry

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