dedication

noun

ded·i·ca·tion ˌde-di-ˈkā-shən

Synonyms of dedication next

religion : an act or rite of dedicating (see dedicate entry 2 sense 1) to a divine being or to a sacred use

the dedication of the temple

: a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose

the dedication of funds raised from the bake sale to the class trip

: a name and often a message prefixed to a literary, musical, or artistic production in tribute to a person or cause

mentioned his family in a brief dedication in his novel

: self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty

her dedication to the cause

required hard work and dedication

: a ceremony to mark the official completion or opening of something (such as a building)

attended the building's dedication nearly fifty years ago

dedicatory

ˈde-di-kə-ˌtȯr-ē

adjective

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This one goes out to the word nerds we love. A simple word to occupy your time, but one dedicated to serving English users’ needs since the 14th century. Now that’s dedication! Dedication was first used for the solemn act of dedicating something, such as a calendar day or a church, to a deity or to a sacred use. The word hasn’t lost its religion in this respect; this sense is still very much in use today. But just as the verb dedicate (“to devote to the worship of a divine being”) has gained additional secular meanings over the centuries, so has dedication. By the 17th century it was being used for the act of devoting time and energy to a particular purpose (as when a band reveals its dedication to music by constantly rehearsing) as well as to a name or message prefixed to a literary, musical, or artistic production in tribute to a person, cause, or really any part of life’s rich pageant. Nowadays, dedication commonly indicates the quality of being loyal or devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose.

Examples of dedication in a Sentence

It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but we managed to finish the project on time. the dedication of the temple They celebrated the dedication of the new building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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.

Her personal narrative intertwines with her professional path, fueling her relentless dedication to her clients' cases. —

Tyler Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024 The movie is set to tell the life story of Bugatti, the founder of the iconic automobile company, who was known for transforming the automotive world with his creative genius and relentless dedication to design and technology. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024 These projects fully embody our brand: both reflect our dedication to manufacturing, attention to detail and quality materials and the Italian spirit and creativity that have always characterized Colnago. —

Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024 In 1980, this dedication brought SCAD leaders right to the doors of the White House. —

Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dedication

Word History

Etymology

see dedicate entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of dedication was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dedication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dedication. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

dedication

noun

ded·i·ca·tion ˌded-i-ˈkā-shən

: an act or rite of dedicating to a divine being or to a sacred use

: a setting aside for a particular purpose

: the inscription dedicating a literary, musical, or artistic work to a person or cause

: self-sacrificing devotion

dedicatory

ˈded-i-kə-ˌtōr-ē

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Legal Definition

dedication

noun

ded·i·ca·tion ˌde-di-ˈkā-shən

: a giving up of property to public use that precludes the owner from asserting any further interest in it: as

: an intentional donation of land for public use that is accepted by the proper public authorities

: intentional or negligent surrender to the public of intellectual property that could have been protected by copyright or patent

Last Updated: 26 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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dedication

noun

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Synonyms

Examples of dedication in a Sentence

Word History

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Dictionary Entries Near dedication

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition