tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdi-shən 

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

trə-ˈdi-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• convention
• custom
• heritage
• prescription
• rubric
• rule

Example Sentences

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Then, as is tradition these days, everyone who attended the party, including Rheinstein, came down with COVID-19. —Charles Curkin, ELLE Decor, 23 Mar. 2023

Per the show's tradition, Chandler and McGregor will be facing each other after the season ends. —John Thompson, Men's Health, 22 Mar. 2023

One such tradition is the ogoh-ogoh parade, where giant demonic effigies are carried through the streets, then burned in purification ceremonies. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2023

On his latest album, Quejíos De Un Maleante, the Spanish singer blends tradition with elements of urbano music to give the folkloric style a modern-day twist. —Lucas Villa, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2023

The old tradition that the bride’s parents should cover the whole bill is no longer nuptial canon. —Virginia Van Zanten, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2023

By tradition, it is chaired by a lawmaker from the main opposition party, in this case Harriet Harman. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023

An allergy changed my holiday tradition:But not my love of green bean casserole Reach the reporter at [e-mail]. —Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2023

Bucking tradition, Girl Scouts would not be getting their hands on any Raspberry Rally cookies to sell at booths or door-to-door. —Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2023

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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

Phrases Containing tradition

• carry on the tradition
• counter-tradition
• steeped in tradition
• oral tradition

• carry on the tradition
• counter-tradition
• steeped in tradition
• oral tradition

Kids Definition

tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdish-ən 

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 tradition

—Louisiana Civil Code

Etymology

French, legal transfer