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
The opening ceremony will also come amid the boycott of some nations showing solidarity with Ukraine over the return to the Russian flag and anthem.
—Tales Azzoni, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The opening ceremony will also come amid the boycott of some nations showing solidarity with Ukraine over the return to the Russian flag and anthem.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
The $888 million project began the first week of January, but the ceremony was postponed due to severe weather delays.
—Hedija Spahalic, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Outstanding Contribution to Dance and Opera awards will be presented at the ceremony by Wayne McGregor and Danielle De Niese, respectively.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
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Tales Azzoni, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The opening ceremony will also come amid the boycott of some nations showing solidarity with Ukraine over the return to the Russian flag and anthem.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
The $888 million project began the first week of January, but the ceremony was postponed due to severe weather delays.
—Hedija Spahalic, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Outstanding Contribution to Dance and Opera awards will be presented at the ceremony by Wayne McGregor and Danielle De Niese, respectively.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Mar. 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 11 Mar. 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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