1. a square academic cap with a flat top and tassel, worn at graduation ceremonies
2. a square board with a handle underneath, used by masons for holding mortar
Usage: construction

Examples

• She adjusted her mortarboard before walking across the stage.
• The graduates threw their mortarboards into the air after the ceremony.
• His mortarboard kept slipping during the commencement speech.
• The mason loaded fresh mortar onto his mortarboard.
• Construction workers use a mortarboard to carry small amounts of cement.
• The tassel on her mortarboard was the traditional school color.