Commencement
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of starting something
"He was responsible for the beginning of negotiations"
(2) An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
(3) The time at which something is supposed to begin
"They got an early start"
"She knew from the get-go that he was the man for her"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start.
- The time of Henry VII ... nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed modern history. -allam.
- The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.
- A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university.