Definition of "congratulation" [con•grat•u•la•tion]

• The act of expressing joy or acknowledgment, as for the achievement or good fortune of another. (noun)
• An expression of such joy or acknowledgment. Often used in the plural: sent him my congratulations on winning the award. (noun)
• Used to express such joy or acknowledgment: I heard you got a promotion. Congratulations! (interjection)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I am glad that these sites exist but the self-congratulation is getting a little much."
• "Page 6 official congratulation from the Secretary of War to the commander of our armies, "Thanks be to Almighty God for the great victory with which he has this day crowned you and the gallant armies under your command," was enough to awaken the most latent patriotism, and to make each loyal heart beat with gratitude."
• "Lord Palmerston had scarcely shaken hands with the Speaker, in congratulation upon the end of a dull Session, when the Premier was hurrying Yorkshirewards to shake hands with"