valedictorian

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English

Etymology

Formed 1759,[1] from valedictory (of a speech made when leaving) +‎ -an.[2]

Pronunciation

Noun

valedictorian (plural valedictorians)

  1. (US, Canada, properly) The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.
    Coordinate term: salutatorian
    • 2020 July 2, Arthur C. Brooks, “A College Degree Is No Guarantee of a Good Life”, in The Atlantic:
      Our oldest son was valedictorian of his high school class and went to a top university. But right about this time two years ago, our second son told us he wasn’t interested in college.
    • 2021 June 11, Stephanie Saul, “Two Black Students Won School Honors. Then Came the Calls for a Recount.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
      At first, it seemed a joyous occasion. There was an audible gasp in the room, then boisterous cheering and applause when the announcement was made: Ikeria Washington and Layla Temple had been named 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian for West Point High School.
  2. (US, Canada, colloquial) The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.
    Synonym: dux

Translations

References

  1. ^ valedictorian, n.”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
  2. ^ valedictorian, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.