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
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
The sheriff’s department announced the route of a procession planned for Friday afternoon to honor the three deputies killed in the explosion. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 According to the outlet, the King’s youngest son, Prince Harry, is expected to walk side by side with his brother at the forefront of the processions through the streets of London. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 July 2025 In Milwaukee, the final call usually occurs after an officer's funeral and before the procession to the cemetery. Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025 These depict, for example, a procession of bedraggled, potentially threatening armed nomads, belongings in tow, or an encampment where a woman gives birth while others cook and play cards; the series was accompanied by couplets that were especially derogatory. Melissa Harris, Artforum, 10 July 2025 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Procession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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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