noun
valedictorian
val-uhd-ihk-TAWR-eern
noun
1
The top student in a graduating class, often chosen to give the farewell speech at graduation.
"As valedictorian, she delivered a speech thanking her teachers and classmates."
How to Use Valedictorian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe student with the best grades in their graduating class, usually the one who gives the closing speech.
Common pairings
class valedictorian
valedictorian speech
Word Forms
valedictorians plural
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Etymology
Formed in 1759 from "valedictory" (a farewell speech) plus the suffix "-an."