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 of tradition

• rule
• principles
• values
• heritage

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

Insider tip Check the bed for a plush toy, a hotel tradition kids love. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

The Jamaican musical style grew from an encounter between African and European traditions, and its banjos, guitars, hand percussion, and rumba boxes accompanied dancing, drinking, storytelling, and songs about life’s daily irritations. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026

Although the Cabinet members’ wins add to a growing GOP tradition in Florida — a Democrat hasn’t won statewide in the Sunshine State since 2018 — Democrats on Tuesday won surprise victories in congress and the state legislature. — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026

For communities across Sacramento and California, Diwali — the ancient Hindu Festival of Lights — comes with its joyful tradition of illumination to symbolize good over evil, but this year’s celebration is marked with a shadow of disappointment. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

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
• oral tradition
• steeped in tradition

Rhymes for tradition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

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