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
nounDefinition 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
- The priest will perform the ritual.
- He was buried simply, without ceremony or ritual.
- the daily ritual of preparing breakfast
- His day-to-day life is based on ritual.
First Known Use of RITUAL
1649
Related to RITUAL
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
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>
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