Definition of ritual
1 : of or relating to rites or a ritual : ceremonial a ritual dance
2 : according to religious law ritual purity
3 : done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol ritual handshakes ritual background checks
ritually
adverbExplore Merriam-Webster
Origin and Etymology of ritual
Latin ritualis, from ritus rite
ritual
Definition of ritual
1 : the established form for a ceremony; specifically : the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony
2a : ritual observance; specifically : a system of ritesb : a ceremonial act or actionc : an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner
Examples of ritual in a Sentence
The priest will perform the ritual.
He was buried simply, without ceremony or ritual.
the daily ritual of preparing breakfast
His day-to-day life is based on ritual.
First Known Use of ritual
1620
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra
RITUAL Defined for English Language Learners
ritual
playDefinition of ritual for English Language Learners
-
: done as part of a ceremony or ritual
-
: always done in a particular situation and in the same way each time
ritual
Definition of ritual for English Language Learners
-
: a formal ceremony or series of acts that is always performed in the same way
-
: an act or series of acts done in a particular situation and in the same way each time
RITUAL Defined for Kids
ritual
playDefinition of ritual for Students
: a ceremony or series of acts that is always performed the same way
Medical Dictionary
ritual
playMedical Definition of ritual
: any act or practice regularly repeated in a set precise manner for relief of anxiety obsessive-compulsive rituals
Learn More about ritual
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ritual Spanish Central: Translation of ritual Nglish: Translation of ritual for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ritual for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ritual
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up ritual? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!