diploma
dih-PLOH-muh
Diploma (noun) means an official document awarded for completing a course of study or earning a qualification. Example: “She framed her nursing diploma and hung it in her office.”
noun
1
An official document awarded for completing a course of study or earning a qualification.
"She framed her nursing diploma and hung it in her office."
"He earned a diploma in cooking after two years of evening classes."
"You will receive your diploma at the end of the ceremony."
How to use diploma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA certificate proving you completed a course or program.
Common mistake
A diploma is usually awarded for a shorter or more specific course, while a "degree" typically refers to a full university qualification.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
earn a diploma
diploma in nursing
high school diploma
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like diploma.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- diplomas, diplomata
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She framed her nursing _____ and hung it in her office.
Etymology
From Latin diplōma, from Greek díplōma meaning "folded paper" or "official document," itself from a word meaning "to fold."
Related words
Rhymes for diploma
See all rhymes for diploma →Frequently asked questions
What does “diploma” mean?
The word “diploma” means an official document awarded for completing a course of study or earning a qualification. In plain terms, a certificate proving you completed a course or program.
How do you pronounce “diploma”?
“Diploma” is pronounced dih-PLOH-muh (/dɪˈploʊmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “diploma” in a sentence?
Here is “diploma” used in a sentence: “She framed her nursing diploma and hung it in her office.”
What part of speech is “diploma”?
“Diploma” is a noun.
Where does the word “diploma” come from?
The word “diploma” comes from Latin. From Latin diplōma, from Greek díplōma meaning "folded paper" or "official document," itself from a word meaning "to fold.".
Is “diploma” a common word?
“Diploma” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "diploma" and a "degree"?
A "diploma" is the official document awarded for completing a course of study, while a "degree" is the academic qualification itself, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, that the diploma certifies. In everyday speech people sometimes use the words interchangeably, but the diploma is technically the physical proof of the degree or qualification earned.
What is the difference between a "diploma" and a "certificate"?
Both are official documents proving completion of study, but "diploma" often implies a more substantial or formal program, such as high school or a diploma-level college course, while "certificate" is commonly used for shorter or more specialized training. Usage varies by institution and country, so the exact distinction is not fixed.
Do you "earn" or "receive" a diploma?
Both verbs are used naturally: people commonly say they "earn" a diploma to emphasize the work behind it, while "receive" describes the moment of formally getting the document, often at a graduation ceremony.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include diploma:
