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.
Here are the Class of 2025 valedictorians and salutatorians at Williamson County's public schools and private Battle Ground Academy, Brentwood Academy, Franklin Christian Academy and Grace Christian Academy. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The days of trying to be captain, president, volunteer, and valedictorian are over. Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 La Jolla Country Day does not recognize valedictorians in the traditional sense but instead gives the Trustees’ Award to the grad who achieved the highest cumulative grade point average over the past four years. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025 Schumer graduated high school as valedictorian and went to Harvard University for undergrad, then Harvard Law School for his J.D., finishing his degree in 1974 and winning a New York state assembly seat that same year at age 23. Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 23 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 6 Aug. 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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