1
a
: a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony
b
: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2
: a ceremonial act or action
initiation rites
3
: a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy
Examples of rite in a Sentence
Incense is often burned in their religious rites.
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
Recent Examples on the Web
Francis funeral less lavish but keeps some traditions Francis wanted a less opulent burial than is traditional for popes and made changes to the church's book on funeral rites, but some of the usual elements remain in place.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, which administers the office of the papal household, will preside over the rite of translation at 9 a.m.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
The images show Cardinal Kevin Farrell presiding over the rite of certification of death of the pope following his death at the age of 88 from a stroke and heart failure on Monday (April 21).
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Francis rewrote the funeral rites in 2024 to simplify them, nixing a private viewing for cardinals and church hierarchy and asking for a public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica with his coffin not raised on a pedestal.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
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.
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, which administers the office of the papal household, will preside over the rite of translation at 9 a.m.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
The images show Cardinal Kevin Farrell presiding over the rite of certification of death of the pope following his death at the age of 88 from a stroke and heart failure on Monday (April 21).
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Francis rewrote the funeral rites in 2024 to simplify them, nixing a private viewing for cardinals and church hierarchy and asking for a public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica with his coffin not raised on a pedestal.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rite. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rite
noun1
a
: a fixed form for a ceremony
b
: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2
: a ceremonial act or action
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share