procession

1 of 2

noun

pro·​ces·​sion prə-ˈse-shən How to pronounce procession (audio)
1
a
: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way
2
a
: continuous forward movement : progression
b
: emanation
the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father

procession

2 of 2

verb

processioned; processioning; processions

intransitive verb

archaic
: to go in procession

Examples of procession in a Sentence

Noun There was a procession of children carrying candles. The cars moved in procession to the cemetery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Loud chants follow the procession toward the cemetery. Marcus Yam, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 The drumline leads the procession through parking lots and up the walking path toward the stadium. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2024 Likewise, Lowe’s band sounded convincingly shaggy and unbuttoned, lending the impression of clambering behind the show’s procession like a second line. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 Yet above all, it’s known as a circuit that often produces processions, in other words, very little passing—even more so than in Monaco. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 The procession stretched for hundreds of meters, with mourners in black walking side by side with men in uniform, as well as people who joined in as the procession went past to show their support. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 But dozens of settlers blocked the road and stoned the procession anyway. Seyward Darby, Longreads, 5 Mar. 2024 The public is also encouraged find a spot along the procession route to show their support and honor the fallen. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2024 Several processions and festivals occur in Lucignano throughout the year. Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'procession.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English processioun, from Anglo-French processiun, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin procession-, processio religious procession, from Latin, act of proceeding, from procedere

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of procession was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near procession

Cite this Entry

“Procession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

procession

noun
pro·​ces·​sion
prə-ˈsesh-ən
1
: continuous forward movement : progression
2
: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way
a funeral procession

More from Merriam-Webster on procession

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