tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce tradition (audio)
1
a
: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)
b
: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
… the bulk of traditions attributed to the Prophet …J. L. Esposito
2
: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3
: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4
: characteristic manner, method, or style
in the best liberal tradition
traditionless adjective

Examples of tradition in a Sentence

One of our town's time-honored traditions is to have an Easter egg hunt the week before Easter. It is their tradition to give thanks before they start eating. There's an office tradition of wearing casual clothes on Fridays. They no longer follow the traditions of their ancestors. We broke with tradition and had goose for Thanksgiving instead of turkey. By tradition, the celebration begins at midnight. They no longer follow tradition. According to tradition, the goddess lies sleeping beneath the mountain.
Recent Examples on the Web As one of the oldest Tequila producers, Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia is a testament to the brand’s longstanding tradition and expertise. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 The aim of founder Carlo Petrini and other activists was to fight against the homogenization of global culture through the defense and promotion of regional heritage, culinary traditions and a less frenetic pace of life. Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024 Beyond affording students an education from brilliant academics, nothing compares to the culture and tradition of an HBCU. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Oct. 2024 Washington Park Wednesdays, a free concert series, carries on a tradition that once attracted up to 40,000 people to the park. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tradition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tradition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tradition was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tradition

Cite this Entry

“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tradition

noun
tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce tradition (audio)
1
: the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another
2
: a belief or custom handed down by tradition
Etymology

Middle English tradicioun "tradition," from early French tradicion (same meaning) and Latin tradition-, traditio "the action of handing over, tradition," — related to treason see Word History at treason

Legal Definition

tradition

noun
tra·​di·​tion
in the civil law of Louisiana : transfer or acquisition of property especially by delivery with intent of both parties to transfer the title
delivery of the act of transfer or use of the right by the owner of the dominant estate constitutes traditionLouisiana Civil Code
Etymology

French, legal transfer

More from Merriam-Webster on tradition

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