valedictory

Summary

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: Valedictory

Episode Date: June 6, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski

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Episode Overview

This episode explores the word valedictory—its definition, usage, history, and connection to modern culture. The host, Peter Sokolowski, provides etymological insights and examples, especially focusing on the word’s association with graduation speeches and its earlier uses outside of academic contexts.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Spelling

• Valedictory is spelled: V A L E D I C T O R Y.
• It is an adjective.
• Definition: Something expressing or containing a farewell.
  • [00:41] "Valedictory is an adjective. It describes something expressing or containing a farewell." — Peter Sokolowski

Example in Context

• Usage in a sentence sourced from The New Yorker highlights how the word can be used beyond school:
  • [00:48] "Did I regret not catching a retrospective showing of Little Miss Sunshine in a special valedictory program of Sundance sensations from over the years? Perhaps, though not as much as I regretted missing the screening of Ryan Fleck and Anna Bowden's Half Nelson of 2006." — Justin, The New Yorker (quoted by Host)

Cultural Associations

• Valedictory addresses (i.e., speeches delivered by valedictorians at graduation) have become a traditional part of American academic ceremonies, akin to other spring activities:
  • [01:09] "Valedictory addresses delivered by valedictorians at high school and college graduations are as much a sign of spring in the United States as baseball games and cookouts." — Peter Sokolowski

Historical Usage

• The origin and early usage of “valedictory” goes beyond education:
  • Historical fact: “Valedictory addresses were already an institution at some U.S. colleges by the time Noah Webster published his 1828 dictionary.”
  • Prior to academic use, "valedictory" appeared in other settings, especially churches, such as in the phrase “valedictory sermon” which was in use by the mid-1600s.
    • [01:21] "We also know that valedictory was used in non-academic settings, mostly churches and especially in the phrase valedictory sermon from the mid-1600s." — Peter Sokolowski

Etymology

• The root of "valedictory" traces back to Latin:
  • [01:37] "It is perfectly in keeping with the meaning of its Latin ancestor valedictere which means to say goodbye." — Peter Sokolowski

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:54] On meaning and tradition:

  "Valedictory addresses delivered by valedictorians at high school and college graduations are as much a sign of spring in the United States as baseball games and cookouts."
  — Peter Sokolowski

• [01:37] On etymology:

  "Since a valedictory speech is given at the end of an academic career, it is perfectly in keeping with the meaning of its Latin ancestor, valedictere, which means to say goodbye."
  — Peter Sokolowski

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:41] — Introduction, spelling, and definition of "valedictory"
• [00:48] — Usage example from The New Yorker
• [01:09] — Cultural association with spring and graduations
• [01:21] — Early non-academic uses, especially in churches
• [01:37] — Etymology and connection to Latin "valedictere"
• [01:54] — Closing summary and the word's resonance

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Summary

This episode offers listeners a concise yet rich exploration of "valedictory," showcasing the word's enduring relevance in academic and broader cultural contexts, its historical roots, and its deep-seated meaning as a term of farewell. The episode’s tone is educational, warm, and engaging, ideal for word enthusiasts and curious listeners alike.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign. It's the word of the day for June 6th.

[B]

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[A]

Today's word is Valedictory Spelled V A L E D I C T O R Y Valedictory is an adjective. It describes something expressing or containing a farewell. Here's the word in a sentence from the New Yorker by Justin Did I regret not catching a retrospective showing of Little Miss Sunshine in a special valedictory program of Sundance sensations from over the years? Perhaps, though not as much as I regretted missing the screening of Ryan fleck and Anna Bowden's half Nelson of 2006. That's the title that I remember most fondly from my first year at Sundance. Valedictory addresses delivered by valedictorians at high school and college graduations are as much a sign of spring in the United States as baseball games and cookouts. Though we don't know where the first valedictory address was given, we do know that such addresses were an institution at some colleges in the US by the time Noah Webster wrote his famous 1828 dictionary. We also know that valedictory was used in non academic settings, mostly churches and and especially in the phrase valedictory sermon from the mid-1600s. Since a valedictory speech is given at the end of an academic career, it is perfectly in keeping with the meaning of its Latin ancestor, valedictere, which means to say goodbye with your word of the day. I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[C]

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