rite

noun

ˈrīt 

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

Synonyms of rite

• ritual
• ceremony

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

At that time, the Catholic Church banned funeral rites and burial on consecrated grounds for those who died by suicide. — Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Cremation is an important final rite in the Hindu tradition and performing the ceremony even without a body provides a sense of spiritual release for some families. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

This week heralds a new appreciation rite for the discerning reader. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

In its review, the National Park Service found 4,304 objects that were likely associated with death rites or ceremonies, the agency said in a July 31 federal notice. — Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Greek arithmos number — more at arithmetic

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing rite

• initiation rite
• rite of passage
• Scottish rite
• York rite

Rhymes for rite

• bight
• bite
• blight
• byte
• cite
• dight
• fight
• fite
• flight
• fright
• height
• hight

Kids Definition

rite

noun

ˈrīt 

1

a

: a fixed form for a ceremony

b

: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches

2

: a ceremonial act or action