1. Plural of baccalaureate; undergraduate degrees awarded by colleges and universities, typically after four years of study.
Usage: Most common sense in educational contexts
2. Plural of baccalaureate; religious services or ceremonies held at schools and universities, especially at graduation.
Usage: Formal or ceremonial context; less common in modern usage

Examples

• Many students earn their baccalaureates in four years of full-time study.
• The university awarded over 2,000 baccalaureates at the spring commencement.
• She completed two baccalaureates, one in biology and one in chemistry.
• Baccalaureates in engineering are highly sought after by employers.
• The college held baccalaureate services in the chapel before graduation day.
• Students from various programs received their baccalaureates at the ceremony.