Main Entry: cer·e·mo·ny

Pronunciation: \ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē, ˈse-rə-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cer·e·mo·nies

Etymology: Middle English ceremonie, from Middle French ceremonie, from Latin caerimonia

Date: 14th century

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 c : a routine action performed with elaborate pomp
3 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>