1. the beginning or start of something
2. a graduation ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are awarded

Examples

• The commencement of the new school year is scheduled for September.
• We celebrated the commencement of our business partnership with a dinner.
• The commencement ceremony will be held in the main auditorium.
• She gave the keynote speech at her daughter’s college commencement.
• The commencement of construction has been delayed due to weather.
• Thousands of families attended the university’s commencement exercises.
• The commencement of negotiations marked a turning point in the conflict.