diploma

noun

di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə How to pronounce diploma (audio)
plural diplomas
Synonyms of diplomanext
1
plural also diplomata də-ˈplō-mə-tə How to pronounce diploma (audio) : an official or state document : charter
2
: a writing usually under seal conferring some honor or privilege
3
: a document bearing record of graduation from or of a degree conferred by an educational institution

Examples of diploma in a Sentence

He earned his high school diploma by attending classes at night.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The subject of educational equality is particularly acute in a country that places great emphasis on credentials and diplomas, offering few other avenues for success. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 The prestigious honor consists of a medal, diploma and about $1 million. — Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Her resume listed a 2000 associate’s degree in general studies and a 2024 medical-assistant diploma from an adult school. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The star was awarded a diploma and a medal in recognition of his performance with the national team, as well as his influence both on and off the pitch. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diploma

Word History

Etymology

Latin, passport, diploma, from Greek diplōma folded paper, passport, from diploun to double, from diploos

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diploma was in 1622

Phrases Containing diploma

Rhymes for diploma

See All Rhymes for diploma

Browse Nearby Words

diploidy
diploma
diplomacy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diploma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diploma. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

diploma

noun
di·​plo·​ma də-ˈplō-mə How to pronounce diploma (audio)
: a document granting a special right, honor, or power
especially : a document that shows a person has finished a course or graduated from a school

More from Merriam-Webster on diploma

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for diploma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diploma

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All