noun
salutatorian
suh-loo-tuh-TOR-ee-un/səˌluːtəˈtɔːriən/
The student ranked second academically in a graduating class.
As salutatorian, Maya ranks second academically in her graduating class.
Etymology
The salutatory was the welcoming address at commencement, so a salutatorian was originally its speaker. Because the address was typically assigned to the second-ranking graduate, the title came to identify that academic rank.
In context
i am honored and humbled to be delivering this speech as this year's salutatorian
More examples
- The school named Jordan salutatorian after calculating the final class rankings.
- Our salutatorian gives the welcoming address at graduation.
- Salutatorians from several high schools attended the scholarship ceremony.
Forms
salutatorian · salutatorians
salutatory adjective — Expressing a greeting or welcome.