valedictorian

Formed 1759, from valediction (“speech made when leaving”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /væl.əd.ɪkˈtɔɹ.ɪən/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

• (General American) IPA^(key): /væl.ə.dɪkˈtoɹ.i.ən/, /væl.ə.dɪkˈtoɹ.i.ɪn/

valedictorian (plural valedictorians)

1. (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.

   Coordinate term: salutatorian

   • 2020 July 2, Arthur C. Brooks, “A College Degree Is No Guarantee of a Good Life”, in The Atlantic‎:

     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.

   • 2021 June 11, Stephanie Saul, “Two Black Students Won School Honors. Then Came the Calls for a Recount.”, in The New York Times‎, →ISSN:

     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 West Point High School.

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

   Synonym: dux