valedictorian
UK/,vælɪdɪk'tɔːrɪən/US/,vælidik'tɔ:riәn/
C2
Definitions
n.
(chiefly US) the top-ranked student who gives the farewell speech at graduation
（主要用于美国）毕业典礼上致告别辞的优秀毕业生代表
Root Breakdown
Root-derived+
-orianone who does, agent
=valedictorian
valedictory + -an (person) = the student who delivers the valedictory (farewell) speech — by tradition the highest-ranking graduate. A culturally specific American term.
Root val still carries 48 more wordsUsage Guide
Chiefly North American. UK schools do not have a 'valedictorian' role; the British equivalent is simply a top student or head pupil. The related 'salutatorian' is the second-ranked student.
Example Sentences
- 1.
As valedictorian, she gave the closing speech at graduation.
- 2.
He was named valedictorian for having the highest grades in his year.