valedictorian

noun

val·​e·​dic·​to·​ri·​an ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce valedictorian (audio)
: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence

She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mission Bay High School has announced Trevor Branch as valedictorian and Spencer Morton as salutatorian of its Class of 2025. Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2025 Parents and students were shocked to learn that their high school’s valedictorian made the cut at, say, Brown, but didn’t get into, say, Vanderbilt. Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 The suit says that Chung is a junior at the Ivy League institution with a promising future ahead of her after graduating as valedictorian at her high school. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 25 Mar. 2025 Chung was valedictorian of her high school class and is currently finishing her third year at Columbia. Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valedictorian

Word History

Etymology

valedictor(y) + -ian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valedictorian was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

valedictorian

noun
vale·​dic·​to·​ri·​an
ˌval-ə-ˌdik-ˈtōr-ē-ən,
-ˈtȯr-
: the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies

More from Merriam-Webster on valedictorian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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