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mortarboard
Word forms: mortarboards
countable noun
A mortarboard is a stiff, black cap which has a flat, square top with a bunch of threads attached to it. In the United States, mortarboards are worn by students at graduation ceremonies at high schools, colleges, and universities.
mortarboard in British English
(ˈmɔːtəˌbɔːd)
noun
1.
a black tasselled academic cap with a flat square top covered with cloth
2. Also called: hawk
a small square board with a handle on the underside for carrying mortar
mortarboard in American English
(ˈmɔrtərˌbɔrd, -ˌbourd)
noun
1.
a board, usually square, used by masons to hold mortar
2. Also called: cap
a cap with a close-fitting crown surmounted by a stiff, flat, square piece from which a tassel hangs, worn as part of academic costume
Word origin
[1850–55; mortar2 + board]Image ofmortarboard
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