dedication

UK: /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃ^ən/ US: /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ ,(ded′i kā′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ded•i•ca•tion /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/   n. 

1. [uncountable] commitment, interest, or work in achieving a goal:
   complete dedication to her students.
2. an inscription at the beginning of a book, offered as a sign of respect or thanks:
   [countable] The dedication read simply "To my husband.''
3. a ceremony of formally opening something for a particular use:
   [countable] the dedication of the new cathedral.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ded•i•ca•tion  (ded′i kā′shən), n. 

1. the act of dedicating.
2. the state of being dedicated:
   Her dedication to medicine was so great that she had time for little else.
3. a formal, printed inscription in a book, piece of music, etc., dedicating it to a person, cause, or the like.
4. a personal, handwritten inscription in or on a work, as by an author to a friend.
5. a ceremony marking the official completion or opening of a public building, institution, monument, etc.

• Latin dēdicātiōn- (stem of dēdicātiō), equivalent. to dēdicāt(us) (see dedicate) + -iōn- -ion
• Middle English dedicacioun 1350–1400

ded′i•ca′tion•al, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dedication / ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

1. the act of dedicating or the state of being dedicated
2. an inscription or announcement prefixed to a book, piece of music, etc, dedicating it to a person or thing
3. complete and wholehearted devotion, esp to a career, ideal, etc

ˌdediˈcational adjective