tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdi-shən 

1

a

: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)

b

: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable

… the bulk of traditions attributed to the Prophet …

—J. L. Esposito

2

: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

3

: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions

4

: characteristic manner, method, or style

in the best liberal tradition

traditionless

trə-ˈdi-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• convention
• custom
• heritage
• prescription
• rubric
• rule

Examples of tradition in a Sentence

One of our town's time-honored traditions is to have an Easter egg hunt the week before Easter.

It is their tradition to give thanks before they start eating.

There's an office tradition of wearing casual clothes on Fridays.

They no longer follow the traditions of their ancestors.

We broke with tradition and had goose for Thanksgiving instead of turkey.

By tradition, the celebration begins at midnight.

They no longer follow tradition.

According to tradition, the goddess lies sleeping beneath the mountain.

Recent Examples on the Web

That means the show bucks the industry tradition of asking actors to be consultants for free and also of hiring disabled artists as consultants instead of as writers, with pay over 100 times less than WGA minimums. —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2024

During the grand opening weekend, bartenders will tap an imperial saison aged in gin barrels for the occasion, and thereafter the brewery anticipates starting a weekly Kölsch service, a German tradition that includes continuous beer delivery to each drinker. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2024

As the evening came to a close, a search for the missing Matzah ensued (another tradition) with the winning prize being a Susan Alexandra hat. —Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024

King Charles kept the tradition of appointing new members to the Order of the Garter on April 23, the feast day of England's patron saint, St. George. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024

Since becoming close friends, the three do everything together — Halloween costumes, college traditions, eating fistfuls of grapes on New Year’s for good luck. —Claire O’Callahan, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

United Methodists are part of a larger worldwide family of Methodists and other groups in the tradition of 18th century British Protestant revivalist John Wesley, who emphasized evangelism, holy living and social service. —CBS News, 23 Apr. 2024

Defensive backs Nate Wiggins, Clemson: In one of The Observer’s many mock drafts, Wiggins was chosen by the Carolina Panthers with the 33rd overall pick — breaking the troubling tradition of the Panthers not drafting a player from Clemson. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2024

Learn more about the ritual that has been a tradition of the Olympic Games since 1936. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tradition

• carry on the tradition
• counter-tradition
• oral tradition
• steeped in tradition

Kids Definition

tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdish-ən 

1

: the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another

2

: a belief or custom handed down by tradition

Etymology

Middle English tradicioun "tradition," from early French tradicion (same meaning) and Latin tradition-, traditio "the action of handing over, tradition," — related to treason see Word History at treason

Legal Definition

tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion

in the civil law of Louisiana : transfer or acquisition of property especially by delivery with intent of both parties to transfer the title

delivery of the act of transfer or use of the right by the owner of the dominant estate constitutes tradition

—Louisiana Civil Code

Etymology

French, legal transfer