valedictorian
noun
val·e·dic·to·ri·an
ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən 
: 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
Adams’ biography also credits him with having been his high school valedictorian.
—
Brian Niemietz, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
However, the character’s most memorable scene comes in the episode’s final act, when Dustin delivers his graduation speech as Hawkins High School’s Class of 1989 valedictorian.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Thompson was named valedictorian of his graduating class and earned multiple honors, including recognition as a collegiate scholar and faculty scholar.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and other elite universities draw applicant pools overflowing with valedictorians, small business owners, nonprofit founders, competition winners, and global changemakers—and this won’t change with the demographic shift.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
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Brian Niemietz, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
However, the character’s most memorable scene comes in the episode’s final act, when Dustin delivers his graduation speech as Hawkins High School’s Class of 1989 valedictorian.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
Thompson was named valedictorian of his graduating class and earned multiple honors, including recognition as a collegiate scholar and faculty scholar.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and other elite universities draw applicant pools overflowing with valedictorians, small business owners, nonprofit founders, competition winners, and global changemakers—and this won’t change with the demographic shift.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for valedictorian
Cite this Entry
“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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