Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who has completed a course of study, especially a person who has received a degree from a school or university.
After four years of hard work, she was proud to be a college grad.
A graduate, especially one who has received a bachelor's degree.
The university's graduation ceremony was attended by many proud grads and their families.
A student who is pursuing an advanced degree (graduate student).
He decided to become a grad student to further his education in psychology.
verb
To graduate, or to cause to graduate, especially from an academic institution.
She plans to grad from her master's program next spring.
Etymology
Abbreviation of graduate, derived from Latin 'graduatus'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
grad school:
A school that offers advanced academic degrees beyond the undergraduate level.
recent grad:
A person who has graduated recently, typically within the last year.
grad party:
A celebration held in honor of a person's graduation.
Slang Meanings
Shortened term for graduate school.
I'm thinking about going to grad for my master's degree.
Refers to the period of life after graduation.
Life as a grad can be tough, finding a job is challenging.