commencement meaning and definition

COMMENCEMENT noun

Definition of commencement (noun)

1. the time at which something is supposed to begin
   • "they got an early start"; "she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her"
   • synonyms: beginning, first, get-go, kickoff, offset, outset, showtime, start, starting time
   • antonym: middle
2. an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
   • synonyms: commencement ceremony, commencement exercise, graduation, graduation exercise
3. the act of starting something
   • "he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations"
   • synonyms: beginning, start
   • antonym: finish