Valedictorian
n.capable, joyfulformal
What it means
A graduating student honored for outstanding academic achievement.
Reach for it when identifying the graduating student formally chosen to deliver the farewell address
The valedictorian thanked every teacher who supported the class.
Choose between these
5- everyday
top graduate
highest academic rank is the known distinction
not when A valedictorian may be chosen by broader criteria.
- warm
class leader
peer leadership is the quality being praised
not when Leadership alone does not confer the title.
- professional
class speaker
the ceremonial speaking role matters most
not when Class speaker says nothing about academic standing.
- professional
honor graduate
strong academic achievement deserves recognition
not when Many honor graduates never deliver the address.
- formal
dux
Scottish or Australian school terminology fits
not when Dux is unfamiliar in much of North America.
Said against
3- underclassman
- non-graduate
- audience member
It naturally appears in
3- class valedictorian
The class valedictorian thanked the custodians before discussing achievement.
- chosen valedictorian
As chosen valedictorian, Priya gathered memories from every study group.
- valedictorian speech
The valedictorian speech balanced celebration with gratitude.
Where this comes from
Selection rules vary among schools; some use academic rank and others choose speakers by audition or vote.
- Wiktionary, English noun, student giving a valedictory address sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.