procession

1 of 2

noun

pro·​ces·​sion prə-ˈse-shən 

1

a

: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way

b

: succession, sequence

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

Noun

• parade

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

His family said their final goodbyes to him during an emotional funeral procession on July 30, which took place in Birmingham. —Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

The event features live performances, Catrina face painting, contests, local art installations and a ceremonial procession through downtown. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025

Plus, there will be workshops, two processions, altar displays, and Muertos Mercado (an artisan market). —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025

This year’s procession will include Aztec dancers, catrina contest winners and Old Town park staff in 1800s period attire. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for procession

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

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