mortarboard

noun

mor·​tar·​board ˈmȯr-tər-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce mortarboard (audio)
plural mortarboards
1
: an academic cap consisting of a closely fitting headpiece with a broad flat projecting square top
2
a
: hawk sense 2
b
: a square board or platform designed for holding mortar during construction and often measuring about two or three feet (one meter) on each side

Illustration of mortarboard

Illustration of mortarboard
  • mortarboard 1

Examples of mortarboard in a Sentence

The students donned robes and mortarboards for graduation.
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.
Tasselled mortarboards will be tossed in the air in my absence. — Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 Graduates make their thoughts and humor known with messages on their mortarboards. — Paul Bersebach, Oc Register, 22 May 2025 Some students decorated the tops of their caps or mortarboards. — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 Despite the location change, the commencement was full of proud parents, festive emotions and colorful mortarboards. — Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mortarboard

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mortarboard was in 1761

Rhymes for mortarboard

See All Rhymes for mortarboard

Browse Nearby Words

mortar bed
mortarboard
mortar boat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mortarboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mortarboard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mortarboard

noun
mor·​tar·​board ˈmȯrt-ər-ˌbō(ə)rd How to pronounce mortarboard (audio)
-ˌbȯ(ə)rd
1
: a board used to hold mortar while it is being applied
2
: an academic cap with a broad flat square top and tassel that is worn at graduation and other ceremonies
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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