A document issued by an educational institution testifying that the recipient has earned a degree or has successfully completed a particular course of study.
"She carefully framed her diploma to hang above her desk, proudly displaying the certificate that proved she had successfully completed her master's program in engineering."
In plain English: A diploma is an official certificate that proves you have finished high school and earned your degree to graduate.
"She hung her high school diploma on the wall to celebrate graduating."
Usage: A diploma is the physical certificate awarded upon completing a specific program, whereas the academic achievement itself is often referred to as a degree. Use this word when discussing the tangible document presented at graduation ceremonies rather than the abstract level of study attained.
PIE word *dwóh₁ From Latin diplōma, from Ancient Greek δίπλωμα (díplōma, "folded paper, license"), from διπλόω (diplóō, "I double, fold over"), from διπλόος (diplóos, "double").