ceremony

noun cer·e·mo·ny \ ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē , ˈse-rə- \

Definition of ceremony

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 :a routine action performed with elaborate pomp

the weekly ceremony of giving out the wages to the help

3 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

See ceremony defined for English-language learners

See ceremony defined for kids

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 of ceremony from the Web

Several Naperville residents were among more than 7,000 students who received degrees during the University of Wisconsin-Madison's spring commencement ceremonies.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville People in the News," 30 Aug. 2017
Those with special event tickets will get the opportunity to participate in a pregame ceremony before the 7:10 p.m. game at Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way, Miami.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "What to do with the kids this weekend: Free zoo, bowling and crafts events," 30 Aug. 2017
As for ongoing Park District construction projects, Maassen said an opening ceremony has been scheduled for Sept. 5 at West Park.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Glencoe Park District approves Takiff Center project," 21 Aug. 2017
Last month, the couple had a traditional Tamil Hindu wedding ceremony in Chennai, India.

— nina reyes, New York Times, "Act 4: The Wedding Scene," 19 Aug. 2017
The winner of the 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy during the Black College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Feb. 10, 2018 in Atlanta.

— alabama a&m sports information, AL.com, "Alabama A&M's Jordan Bentley named to Black College Player of the Year watch list," 16 Aug. 2017
The USGA moved up its women’s championship last year to the first week of August to avoid a conflict with the Olympic tournament, but that didn’t account for the opening ceremonies being on Aug. 5, with the Women’s Am ending on Aug. 7.

— tod leonard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "USGA history: 13-year-old reaches Women's Am semis in 30-hole match," 11 Aug. 2017
How to cop: Visit their Arlington Heights store, or shop online at Opening Ceremony.

— zoie matthew, Los Angeles Magazine, "These Are the Local Designers Kanye, Solange, and Rihanna Go to for Fashion," 3 Aug. 2017
During the ceremony, the dress was a glamorous ballgown featuring a semi sheer lace bodice and a floor-sweeping princess skirt.

— lauren smith, House Beautiful, "This Bride's Two-in-One Wedding Gown Is Beyond Gorgeous," 1 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ceremony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ceremony

Middle English ceremonie, from Medieval French ceremonie, from Latin caerimonia

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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ceremony Synonyms

Synonyms

ceremonial, rite, form, formality, observance, ritual, solemnity

Related Words

amenities, civility, decorum, etiquette, graces, proprieties; protocol; convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice (also practise), standard, tradition, way; celebration, service

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

CEREMONY Defined for English Language Learners

ceremony

noun

Definition of ceremony for English Language Learners

: a formal act or event that is a part of a social or religious occasion
: very polite or formal behavior

CEREMONY Defined for Kids

ceremony

noun cer·e·mo·ny \ ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē \

Definition of ceremony for Students

plural ceremonies 1

:an act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules especially as part of a social or religious event

the marriage ceremony

2 :very polite behavior :formality

“Who are you?” the lady demanded without ceremony.

Learn More about ceremony

See words that rhyme with ceremony Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ceremony Spanish Central: Translation of ceremony Nglish: Translation of ceremony for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ceremony for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremony

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