cum laude

adverb or adjective

cum lau·​de ku̇m-ˈlau̇-də How to pronounce cum laude (audio)
-dē;
ˌkəm-ˈlȯ-dē
: with distinction
graduated cum laude
compare magna cum laude, summa cum laude

Examples of cum laude in a Sentence

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.
Lewis went on to graduate cum laude with a degree in education. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 1 Apr. 2026 One recently graduated from Florida State cum laude and plans to be an English teacher. — John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026 Cruz-Neira graduated cum laude the following year and transitioned to a full-time position as a software architect. — IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2025 Spence graduated cum laude from the University of Wyoming law school in 1952 but needed two tries to pass the state bar exam. — Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cum laude

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, with praise

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cum laude was in 1851

Rhymes for cum laude

See All Rhymes for cum laude

Browse Nearby Words

cuminyl
cum laude
cumly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cum laude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cum%20laude. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cum laude

adverb or adjective
ˌku̇m-ˈlau̇d-ē, 
-ə;
ˌkəm-ˈlȯd-ē
: with distinction : with honors
graduated cum laude
Etymology

Latin, "with praise"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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