What does diploma mean?
A diploma is an official certificate issued by an educational institution — such as a high school, college, or university — confirming that the recipient has completed a prescribed course of study. The word carries connotations of achievement, formal recognition, and entry into a profession or the next stage of education, which is why receiving one is typically marked by a ceremony. Usage varies regionally: Americans often speak of a 'high school diploma', while British speakers tend to reserve 'diploma' for vocational or sub-degree qualifications and use 'degree' for university awards. The word derives from Greek 'diplōma', meaning something folded double, because early official documents were inscribed on folding tablets. A related cautionary term, 'diploma mill', refers to an unaccredited institution that sells certificates of dubious value, underscoring how closely the word is tied to legitimacy and credentialing.
nounA certificate awarded by a school, college, or university to certify that the recipient has successfully completed a course of study.
- A certificate awarded by an educational institution certifying completion of a course of study.
- (Historical) An official state document, especially one issued by a sovereign or government granting privileges or recording an act — the original Roman sense.
"She framed her diploma and hung it above her desk after graduation."
"He earned his diploma in graphic design from a local community college."
"The emperor's charter was recorded on a bronze diploma preserved by the museum."
Standard regular plural; no alternative form is used.
"The graduating students collected their diplomas at the end of the ceremony."
The word 'diploma' literally means 'folded in two' — in ancient Greece and Rome, important documents were written on two hinged bronze or wax tablets that folded shut like a book.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of diploma
The word 'diploma' comes from Greek 'diplōma', meaning 'a paper folded double', derived from 'diploun' ('to fold in two') and ultimately from 'diplous' ('double'). In ancient Rome, a diploma was an official document — often written on two hinged bronze tablets — conferring privileges such as citizenship or military discharge. English adopted the word in the 17th century for such official charters, and its sense later narrowed to certificates awarded by schools and universities. It shares the Greek root 'diplous' with words such as 'diploid' and 'diptych'.
How diploma is actually used
In American English, 'diploma' commonly refers to the high school completion certificate as well as university awards. In British English it more often denotes a vocational or sub-degree qualification (e.g., 'a diploma in nursing'), while 'degree' is preferred for university qualifications. The plural is 'diplomas'.
Easily confused with diploma
A degree is an academic rank conferred by a university (such as a bachelor's or master's), while a diploma is a broader term for any completion certificate, including those from high schools and vocational programs.
A diplomate is a person who holds a diploma or official certification, especially from a professional board, whereas the diploma is the document itself.
A diplomat is an official representing their country abroad; despite the shared root, it has nothing to do with educational certificates.