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
The ceremony featured a dazzling light and music show outside the museum, with massive screens displaying Egypt's ancient monuments.
—Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Notably, archaeologists unearthed a large piece of amber and a terracotta female head used in ceremonies dedicated to water and fertility deities, Archaeology Newsstated.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
The announcement said the bodies would be transferred to Israel, where they will be honored in a military ceremony led by the Chief Military Rabbi.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Amy's spooky ceremony was officiated by her friend, Billy, who also officiated Tammy and Willingham's wedding in 2022 at Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
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Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Notably, archaeologists unearthed a large piece of amber and a terracotta female head used in ceremonies dedicated to water and fertility deities, Archaeology Newsstated.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
The announcement said the bodies would be transferred to Israel, where they will be honored in a military ceremony led by the Chief Military Rabbi.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Amy's spooky ceremony was officiated by her friend, Billy, who also officiated Tammy and Willingham's wedding in 2022 at Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
Cite this Entry
“Ceremony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremony. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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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