1
a
: a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony
b
: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2
: a ceremonial act or action
initiation rites
3
: a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy
Examples of rite in a Sentence
Incense is often burned in their religious rites.
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
Recent Examples on the Web
The society rejected that change, citing a desire for the Latin rite's sense of mystery and formality.
—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
In the consecration rite, Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, who was excommunicated after being consecrated without papal consent in 1988, placed his hands on the head of each of the four new bishops.
—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Among the artifacts returned by Switzerland is a Benin Eroro, a four-sided ceremonial bell that played a central role in royal rites, political functions, and battle.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
29 June 2026
Known to stir up a twinge of anxiety due to the organization’s track record selecting talent in the first round of the NBA Draft, the annual rite of summer has arrived.
—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rite
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
In the consecration rite, Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, who was excommunicated after being consecrated without papal consent in 1988, placed his hands on the head of each of the four new bishops.
—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Among the artifacts returned by Switzerland is a Benin Eroro, a four-sided ceremonial bell that played a central role in royal rites, political functions, and battle.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
29 June 2026
Known to stir up a twinge of anxiety due to the organization’s track record selecting talent in the first round of the NBA Draft, the annual rite of summer has arrived.
—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rite
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rite. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rite
noun1
a
: a fixed form for a ceremony
b
: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2
: a ceremonial act or action
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
