noun

commencement

kuh-MEHNS-muhnt

noun

The beginning or start of something (formal).

"The commencement of the project was delayed by permit issues."

A graduation ceremony marking the completion of a course of study.

"Her whole family flew in for her college commencement."

How to Use Commencement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal beginning, or (in the US especially) a graduation ceremony.

UK vs US

In American English, "commencement" is the standard word for a graduation ceremony; British English tends to use "graduation" instead.

Common pairings

commencement speech commencement ceremony commencement of business

commencements plural

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The _____ of the project was delayed by permit issues.

From French commencement, formed from commence + -ment.

cement element clement pavement tenement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement atonement implement