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

: a routine action performed with elaborate pomp

Liz Claiborne Inc. chief executive officer William McComb and Liz Claiborne New York creative director Isaac Mizrahi rang the closing bell [of the New York Stock Exchange], a daily ceremony they followed with the first-ever fashion show on the trading floor.

—Marc Karimzadeh

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

Synonyms

• ceremonial
• form
• formality
• observance
• rite
• ritual
• solemnity

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

Peso Pluma, one of the night’s most nominated artist with 12 nods, is set to perform during the ceremony. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 6 Apr. 2024

Hunley, other officials from across Indiana and family members gathered to memorialize Indiana Sen. Jean Breaux during a lying-in-state ceremony Friday evening. —Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Apr. 2024

Kelsea Ballerini will be hosting this year's awards ceremony. —Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

More than just a summer destination, the charming Jersey Shore town gets into the spirit for all the seasons — especially the holidays with festive decorations, tree lighting ceremonies, and a vendor village at Congress Hall. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024

Addressing aid to Ukraine, other allies in the House House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a Congressional Gold Medal presentation ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on March 21, 2024. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024

As Miami-Dade College gears up for its 41st edition of the festival, cinema aficionados can expect an array of films, discussions, Q&A sessions, special events, and awards ceremonies from April 5-14. —Cata Balzano, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024

The governor has signed over 80 bills into law this year, but these two were the first to be highlighted during a signing ceremony. —Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

On stage during the trophy ceremony, Sinner’s stoic realism, unorthodox English and deadpan delivery combined to comic effect. —Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ceremony

• stand on ceremony

Kids 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