ceremony
noun
cer·e·mo·ny
ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē 
ˈse-rə-
plural ceremonies
1
: a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
the marriage ceremony
2
a
: a conventional act of politeness or etiquette
the ceremony of introduction
b
: an action performed only formally with no deep significance
The custom had probably been long a mere ceremony …—
C. Thirlwall
C. Thirlwall
c
: a routine action performed with elaborate pomp
… the opening bell [of the New York Stock Exchange] is still an important daily ceremony, attracting corporate chiefs and celebrities.—John Carney
John Carney3
a
: prescribed procedures : usages
the ceremony attending an inauguration
b
: observance of an established code of civility or politeness
opened the door without ceremony and strode in
Examples of ceremony in a Sentence
There will be a ceremony honoring the town's veterans next week.
With great ceremony, the children presented each of the visitors with a gift.
He told them abruptly and without ceremony that they would have to leave.
Recent Examples on the Web
After the candle ceremony, some left, while others prayed or chatted quietly, fondly recalling their memories of the Guthries.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Before Thursday night’s ceremony, Stafford walked the red carpet with his wife and daughters, the young girls all wearing similar dresses.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Presenting the schedule for the city’s fall fashion week on the eve of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Capasa stressed how Milan is about to enter a key month in its history and international appeal.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
As some head for vacation and others head for the opening ceremony in Milan, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan can take some comfort knowing his team has resolved many of its lingering problems from December and January.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
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Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Before Thursday night’s ceremony, Stafford walked the red carpet with his wife and daughters, the young girls all wearing similar dresses.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Presenting the schedule for the city’s fall fashion week on the eve of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Capasa stressed how Milan is about to enter a key month in its history and international appeal.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
As some head for vacation and others head for the opening ceremony in Milan, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan can take some comfort knowing his team has resolved many of its lingering problems from December and January.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
Cite this Entry
“Ceremony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremony. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ceremony
noun
cer·e·mo·ny
ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē
plural ceremonies
1
: a formal act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules
graduation ceremonies
2
: very polite behavior : formality
dined without ceremony
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