initiation
noun
ini·ti·a·tion
i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən 
1
a
: the act or an instance of initiating
b
: the process of being initiated
c
: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2
: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness
Examples of initiation in a Sentence
his initiation as a member of the club
crimes committed as part of gang initiations
the initiation of judicial proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
William Blair initiates nLIGHT as outperform William Blair said in its initiation of nLIGHT that the laser company has plenty of upside.
—
Michael Bloom, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
Membership at the Astor Club runs from a $2,400 initiation fee and $100 in monthly dues to higher levels.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Dozens of arrests have occurred South African law since 2021 requires initiation schools to meet strict health and safety standards to be registered, and boys 16 and above are admitted with parental consent.
—Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
For families in South Africa, a successful initiation concludes with the participants' return.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for initiation
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Michael Bloom, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
Membership at the Astor Club runs from a $2,400 initiation fee and $100 in monthly dues to higher levels.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Dozens of arrests have occurred South African law since 2021 requires initiation schools to meet strict health and safety standards to be registered, and boys 16 and above are admitted with parental consent.
—Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
For families in South Africa, a successful initiation concludes with the participants' return.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for initiation
Cite this Entry
“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
initiation
noun
ini·ti·a·tion
in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən
1
: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction
2
: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society
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