valedictorian
/ˌvæl.ə.dɪkˈtoɹ.i.ən/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.72 in modern English
19
Scrabble Score
13
Letters
6
Syllables
11
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.
Canadian usage; American usage
noun
The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.
Canadian usage; American usage; Colloquial
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "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."
- "A social media firestorm erupted last week after two Texas high school valedictorians revealed that they were undocumented immigrants heading to well-respected U.S. colleges with financial aid."
Etymology
Word Breakdown
- Root: *h₂welh₁-
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˌvæl.ə.dɪkˈtoɹ.i.ən/
- British English: /ˌvæl.əd.ɪkˈtɔɹ.ɪən/
Usage
- Canadian usage
- American usage
- Colloquial