What does valedictorian mean?
Valedictorian is chiefly a North American term for the graduating student chosen to represent the class and deliver a farewell address. The title traditionally signifies the highest academic achievement, often the highest grade average, although some schools use broader criteria such as leadership, service, or an honors vote. In common school and university contexts, “the valedictorian” therefore usually denotes both a distinguished student and the principal speaker at commencement. The word is sometimes applied more broadly to the person delivering the valedictory address even when academic rank is not the basis of selection. Valedictorian comes from Latin through a form meaning “one who says farewell,” reflecting the ceremonial role of formally closing a graduating class's celebration. It is a useful term because it joins two related ideas: academic recognition and the public ritual of bidding farewell to a school community. In everyday use, it remains formal and celebratory rather than neutral.
nounA student selected to represent their graduating class and deliver the valedictory address, traditionally the student with the highest academic average.
- A graduating student, traditionally the one with the highest academic average, who is selected to represent the class and deliver a farewell address.
"She was named valedictorian and delivered an inspiring farewell speech to her graduating class."
"The valedictorian thanked her teachers and reminded her classmates to pursue their dreams."
"Several students shared the valedictorian title, recognizing both academic achievement and service to the community."
The standard plural is “valedictorians.”
"The two valedictorians shared the stage to deliver their farewell remarks."
The title literally means “one who says farewell,” capturing the valedictorian's ceremonial role in bidding goodbye to a graduating class.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does valedictorian come from?
The word entered English in the 17th century in a Latin-derived form meaning “one who says farewell.” It ultimately comes from Latin valedīcere, a compound of vale (“farewell” or “good health”) and dīcere (“to say”), and is related to valediction and valedictory. The academic sense developed through the custom of a graduating student delivering a valedictory, or farewell, address on behalf of the class.
How valedictorian is actually used
This is a formal and generally celebratory term. In contemporary institutions, the title may be awarded for overall distinction, leadership, or an honors vote, so it does not always indicate a single highest grade average.
Easily confused with valedictorian
A valedictorian traditionally delivers the class's farewell address, whereas a salutatorian delivers the opening address.