scholarship

noun

schol·​ar·​ship ˈskä-lər-ˌship How to pronounce scholarship (audio)
Synonyms of scholarshipnext
1
: a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation)
2
: the character, qualities, activity, or attainments of a scholar : learning
3
: a fund of knowledge and learning
drawing on the scholarship of the ancients

Synonyms of scholarship

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knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind.

knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation.

a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Examples of scholarship in a Sentence

She got a scholarship to Yale University. The organization is offering five $5,000 scholarships. The essay is a work of serious scholarship. The book is about his life and scholarship.
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.
Earning a spot on collegiate rosters, or athletic scholarships, takes years of work from young athletes — and thousands of dollars from their parents in fees, travel and other costs. — Alex Leeds Matthews, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 Yet too many adults focus on winning and chasing college scholarships, driving up the costs for families and pressure on children to specialize in one sport and succeed. — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 The organization awards scholarships and gives its titleholder a national platform for community service and advocacy. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Some also aim to foster a diverse student body by offering scholarships and other initiatives. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scholarship

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scholarship was circa 1536

Phrases Containing scholarship

Rhymes for scholarship

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Browse Nearby Words

scholarly
scholarship
Scholarship level
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Cite this Entry

“Scholarship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scholarship. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scholarship

noun
schol·​ar·​ship ˈskäl-ər-ˌship How to pronounce scholarship (audio)
1
: money given (as by a college) to a student to help pay for further education
2
: the character, qualities, or achievements of a scholar
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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