procession

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of procession
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

Synonyms of 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Members of Skokie’s Fire Department, along with police officers, emergency service operators and public safety staff participated in an honor guard procession Friday, surrounded by dozens of local residents. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 In any case, the procession of masks, roles and stories (or versions of a story) that filter throughout make sense for what is ultimately an actor’s movie about the instability of a life lived as a series of parts. Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 The arguments in the motion to quash are similar for each of two offenses, hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct and disrupting a meeting or procession. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026 The Prince of Wales, 44, and the Princess Royal, 76, were seen arriving for the service at the Oslo Cathedral after taking part in the solemn funeral procession. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for procession

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

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

Verb

1706, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Procession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster