salutatorian

noun

sa·​lu·​ta·​to·​ri·​an sə-ˌlü-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce salutatorian (audio)
: the student usually having the second highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the salutatory address at the commencement exercises

Examples of salutatorian 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.
Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Broward County high schools. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026 Metro Nashville Public Schools named the students who made valedictorian and salutatorian this year. — Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Apr. 2025 Advice for others This year’s honorees have some words of advice for future generations of valedictorians and salutatorians. — Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2026 Meet the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from Osceola County high schools. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for salutatorian

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of salutatorian was circa 1847

Rhymes for salutatorian

See All Rhymes for salutatorian

Browse Nearby Words

salutation
salutatorian
salutatorily
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

salutatorian

noun
sa·​lu·​ta·​to·​ri·​an sə-ˌlüt-ə-ˈtōr-ē-ən How to pronounce salutatorian (audio)
-ˈtȯr-
: the graduating student usually second highest in rank
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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