Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Congratulation /kən-grăchˌ-əl-āsh'-ən/ · Con·grat·u·la·tion · IPA /kənˌɡɹæd͡ʒʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ 01 n. The act of congratulating; an expression of sympathetic pleasure. 1. The act of congratulating; an expression of sympathetic pleasure. “With infinite congratulations for our safe arrival.” — Dr. J. Scott.