definition of
commencement

[1] #1 commencement n. [beginning, first, outset, get-go, start, kickoff, starting time, showtime, offset] 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". wn

[2] #2 commencement n. [commencement exercise, commencement ceremony, graduation, graduation exercise] an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred. wn

[3] #3 commencement n. [beginning, start] the act of starting something; "he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations". wn