diploma

[dih-ploh-muh]

noun

plural

diplomas ,

plural

diplomata .

1. a document given by an educational institution conferring a degree on a person or certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed a course of study.

2. a document conferring some honor, privilege, or power.

3. a public or official document, especially one of historical interest.

   a diploma from Carolingian times.

verb (used with object)

diplomaed, diplomaing 

1. to grant or award a diploma to.

diploma

/ dɪˈpləʊmə /

noun

1. a document conferring a qualification, recording success in examinations or successful completion of a course of study

2. an official document that confers an honour or privilege

Other Word Forms

• prediploma noun
• undiplomaed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploma¹

1635–45; < Latin diplōma a letter of recommendation, an official document < Greek díplōma a letter folded double, equivalent to diplō-, variant stem of diploûn to double (derivative of diplóos; diplo- ) + -ma suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploma¹

C17: from Latin: official letter or document, literally: letter folded double, from Greek; see _diplo-

Example Sentences

They held binders and manila folders that contained resumes and diplomas.

From Los Angeles Times

Millie, 16, is moving to a further education college in September to study for a diploma in performing arts.

From BBC

Her university has an unwritten rule that students must sign an employment contract or provide proof of internship within one year of graduation; otherwise, they won't receive a diploma.

From BBC

His wife took his place in the ceremony and accepted his diploma on his behalf.

From BBC

She quit school at 16 but, encouraged by her mum, entered further education and worked towards a diploma in performing arts.

From BBC

Related Words

• credentials www.thesaurus.com
• degree 
• recognition 
• voucher 
• warrant