procession

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of procession
1
a
: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way
2
a
: continuous forward movement : progression
b
: emanation
the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father

procession

2 of 2

verb

processioned; processioning; processions

intransitive verb

archaic
: to go in procession

Synonyms of procession

Examples of procession in a Sentence

Noun There was a procession of children carrying candles. The cars moved in procession to the cemetery.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
For instance, the late Senator’s family has invited the public to pay their respects during the procession leading Graham’s remains to the South Carolina State House, as well as to attend the funeral service at First Baptist Church of Columbia. Chantelle Lee, Time, 22 July 2026 His wife and children attended his emotional funeral procession on July 30, 2025, in Birmingham, England. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 Congress will honor the late senator at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda next week followed by a funeral procession in South Carolina. Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 21 July 2026 On July 29, a funeral procession will take place starting from the south side of the South Carolina State House in Columbia to the First Baptist Church of Columbia. James Powel, USA Today, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for procession

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English processioun, from Anglo-French processiun, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin procession-, processio religious procession, from Latin, act of proceeding, from procedere

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of procession was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Procession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

procession

noun
pro·​ces·​sion
prə-ˈsesh-ən
1
: continuous forward movement : progression
2
: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way
a funeral procession

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