initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of initiating
b
: the process of being initiated
c
: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2
: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club crimes committed as part of gang initiations the initiation of judicial proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This prayer-promise becomes the basis for Sarah’s spiritual initiation. Terry Nguyen july 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025 That’s similar to what Life Time, the upscale athletic club that offers child care and programming at two of its New York locations (Dumbo and One Wall in the Financial District), charges, sans initiation fee: $329 for the first member and $100 per child. Kim Velsey, Curbed, 16 July 2025 The brain differences here were only linked to early initiation of drug use—not necessarily to addiction itself. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 7 July 2025 The heist crew is huddled around a monitor, watching the digital gang initiation unfold. Stacia Brown, Vulture, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for initiation

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of initiation was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Initiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/initiation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

initiation

noun
ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce initiation (audio)
1
: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction
2
: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society

More from Merriam-Webster on initiation

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