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valedictorian

(US, Canada, colloquial) The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.

ˌvæl.əd.ɪkˈtɔɹ.ɪənDocumented since 1750sSilenthistoricalCurrent156 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
2 definitions
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Seen in the wild
3 citations · last seen May 2026

Etymology timeline

Born ~1759 · 1 year of recorded use
1759Born2026: 3 citationsToday, 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

(US, Canada, colloquial) The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.

At first, it seemed a joyous occasion. There was an audible gasp in the room, then boisterous cheering and applause when the announcement was made: Ikeria Washington and Layla Temple had been named 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian for…
Heard in the wild
  • “Cadet 1st Class Kaye Demisana Librada of Lipa City, Batangas, is this year’s Philippine Military Academy valedictorian, and the the eighth woman to top a PMA class. www.rappler.com/people/phili...”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(US, Canada, properly) The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.

Our oldest son was valedictorian of his high school class and went to a top university. But right about this time two years ago, our second son told us he wasn’t interested in college.
Origin: Formed 1759, from. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Valedictorian means: The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.. It is mainly Canadian English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

valedictorian means: The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.. Register: informal, Canadian English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

Cluster: farewell
Heard in the wild
  • “It’s official! Our daughter is the Class of 2026 Lebanon High School Valedictorian! Being your dad is one of my life’s greatest joys. I'm so proud of the strong, driven person you are. All those late nights and hard work paid off! We are incredibly proud of you!”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “I turned down an ivy for a full ride at my state school and my counselors and principal could have shot me tbh. They so so wanted a kid at an Ivy and the three of us who got in all bailed (our valedictorian went to notre dame lmao)”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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