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 of procession

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

La Festa del Santissimo Salvatore takes over the town with processions, statues, music, and fireworks in a multiday celebration. —Erica Firpo, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026

In front of the screen, Svetlana Spajić performed live, as a brass band procession moved through the space. —George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Coeur d’Alene hosted funeral processions for Morrison and Harwood last July. —Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

But it was scheduled on a day when snow pelted the procession — over an 8-mile journey that students walk from Robb Street near Simms Street and West Colfax into downtown Denver. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026

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

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