commencement

/kəˈmɛnsmənt/
noun
  1. A ceremony at which students receive diplomas or degrees, also called graduation.
    • She bought a new dress for her high school commencement.
    • The guest speaker at commencement gave an inspiring speech about the future.
    • The university's commencement will be held in the stadium this year.
  2. The beginning or start of something.
    • We are excited about the commencement of the new school year.
    • The commencement of the project was delayed by bad weather.
    • The treaty marked the commencement of a long period of peace.
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