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
Pink follows a trend of musical talents who've hosted previous ceremonies, including recent hosts Cynthia Erivo and Ariana DeBose.
—Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026
Most rumors point to a Rhode Island ceremony Saturday, June 13, though nothing's been confirmed.
—Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026
The lifting of the restrictions comes just in time for Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Easter on Sunday, a week after Catholic and Protestant observances and before the centuries-old ceremony known as the Holy Fire that is associated with it.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Tony Awards Productions announced today that the music superstar and global icon — a lifelong fan of theater — will emcee the upcoming ceremony, set to be held at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceremony
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Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026
Most rumors point to a Rhode Island ceremony Saturday, June 13, though nothing's been confirmed.
—Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026
The lifting of the restrictions comes just in time for Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Easter on Sunday, a week after Catholic and Protestant observances and before the centuries-old ceremony known as the Holy Fire that is associated with it.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Tony Awards Productions announced today that the music superstar and global icon — a lifelong fan of theater — will emcee the upcoming ceremony, set to be held at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 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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