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 logic goes that if graduates of a certificate or college program do not out-earn those with only a high-school diploma, then those programs have proven to be a bad investment, and Washington should stop enabling them through student loans. — Nathan Bruschi, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 These jobs require only an associate’s degree or a high school diploma and some additional training. — Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2026 Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026 But O’Neal, who is also currently touring college campuses to teach personal finance, sees college as more than a path to a diploma. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 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
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Cite this Entry

“Diploma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diploma. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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

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