dissertation

/ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: dissertations

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A formal exposition of a subject, especially a research paper that students write in order to complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in the US and a non-doctoral degree in the UK; a thesis.

Noun

Examples

write a dissertation

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A lengthy lecture on a subject; a treatise; a discourse; a sermon.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “dissertation” mean?

A formal exposition of a subject, especially a research paper that students write in order to complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in the US and a non-doctoral degree in the UK; a thesis.

Is “dissertation” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.