initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən 

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

Synonyms of initiation

• inauguration
• inaugural

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

Members are charged a $10,000 annual fee, plus a $5,000 initiation fee, according to company materials reviewed by Fortune. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

That said, their relative scarcity means that initiation and membership fees are a multiple of those charged at home. — Mark Cecil, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026

On Wednesday of that first week, one by one, the team’s 12 newcomers took to a makeshift stage for their initiation songs. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Melius initiates Kinder Morgan & Williams Companies as buy Needham said in its initiation of Kinder Morgan and Willliams that both midstream stocks are attractive. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Rhymes for initiation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən 

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