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 pomp3 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>