ceremony
noun
cer·e·mo·ny
ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē 
ˈse-rə-
plural ceremonies
1
: a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
the marriage ceremony
2
a
: a conventional act of politeness or etiquette
the ceremony of introduction
b
: an action performed only formally with no deep significance
The custom had probably been long a mere ceremony …—
C. Thirlwall
C. Thirlwall
c
: a routine action performed with elaborate pomp
… the opening bell [of the New York Stock Exchange] is still an important daily ceremony, attracting corporate chiefs and celebrities.—John Carney
John Carney3
a
: prescribed procedures : usages
the ceremony attending an inauguration
b
: observance of an established code of civility or politeness
opened the door without ceremony and strode in
Examples of ceremony in a Sentence
There will be a ceremony honoring the town's veterans next week.
With great ceremony, the children presented each of the visitors with a gift.
He told them abruptly and without ceremony that they would have to leave.
Recent Examples on the Web
Following the parade, Mamdani will host a championship ceremony at City Hall where the team will receive Keys to the City, a recognition in honor of their historic achievement.
—Mark Morales, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
When is the Obama Presidential Center grand opening ceremony?
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Fed day Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh departs from the East Room of the White House after a swearing-in ceremony, May 22, 2026.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 June 2026
In a symbolic step for the project, community members gathered on May 31 under a tent on the land for a foundation stone laying ceremony.
—Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
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Mark Morales, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
When is the Obama Presidential Center grand opening ceremony?
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Fed day Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh departs from the East Room of the White House after a swearing-in ceremony, May 22, 2026.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 June 2026
In a symbolic step for the project, community members gathered on May 31 under a tent on the land for a foundation stone laying ceremony.
—Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
Cite this Entry
“Ceremony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremony. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ceremony
noun
cer·e·mo·ny
ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē
plural ceremonies
1
: a formal act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules
graduation ceremonies
2
: very polite behavior : formality
dined without ceremony
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