WordWeb Online

1. The time at which something is supposed to begin
   "she knew from the commencement that he was the man for her"
   - beginning, first, outset, get-go, start, kickoff, starting time, showtime, offset
    
2. An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
   - commencement exercise, commencement ceremony, graduation, graduation exercise
    
3. The act of starting something
   "he was responsible for the commencement of negotiations"
   - beginning, start

Derived forms: commencements

See also: commence

Type of: change of state, exercise, point, point in time

Encyclopedia: Commencement