Main Entry:

¹rit·u·al

Pronunciation:

\ˈri-chə-wəl, -chəl; ˈrich-wəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin ritualis, from ritus rite

Date:

1570

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