#1 graduation n. the successful completion of a program of study. wn #2 graduation n. [commencement, commencement exercise, commencement ceremony, graduation exercise] an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred. wn #3 graduation n. a line (as on a vessel or ruler) that marks a measurement; "the ruler had 16 graduations per inch". wn #4 graduation n. [gradation] the act of arranging in grades. wn