ritual

¹rit·u·al

adjective \ˈri-chə-wəl, -chəl; ˈrich-wəl\

Definition of RITUAL

1

: of or relating to rites or a ritual : ceremonial <a ritual dance>

2

: according to religious law <ritual purity>

3

: done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol <ritual handshakes> <ritual background checks>

— rit·u·al·ly adverb

Origin of RITUAL

Latin ritualis, from ritus rite

First Known Use: 1570

²ritual

noun

Definition of RITUAL

1

: the established form for a ceremony; specifically : the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony

2

a : ritual observance; specifically : a system of rites

b : a ceremonial act or action

c : an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner

Examples of RITUAL

1. The priest will perform the ritual.
2. He was buried simply, without ceremony or ritual.
3. the daily ritual of preparing breakfast
4. His day-to-day life is based on ritual.

First Known Use of RITUAL

1649

Related to RITUAL

Synonyms

custom, fashion, habitude, pattern, practice (also practise), habit, second nature, trick, way, wont

Related Words

addiction; disposition; bent, inclination, proclivity, set, tendency, tenor, turn; bag, convention, form, mode, style; usage, use; deportment, manners, mores; drill, groove, jog trot, regime (also régime), regimen, rote, routine, rut; affectation, airs, pose; attribute, characteristic, mark, trait; eccentricity, kink, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, tic

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

rit·u·al

noun \ˈrich-(ə-)wəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RITUAL

: any act or practice regularly repeated in a set precise manner for relief of anxiety <obsessive-compulsive rituals>