First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
ceremony
noun cer·e·mo·ny \ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē, ˈse-rə-\
: a formal act or event that is a part of a social or religious occasion
: very polite or formal behavior
plural cer·e·mo·nies
Full Definition of CEREMONY
1
: a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention <the marriage ceremony>
2
a : a conventional act of politeness or etiquette <the ceremony of introduction> b : an action performed only formally with no deep significance c : a routine action performed with elaborate pomp
3
a : prescribed procedures : usages <the ceremony attending an inauguration> b : observance of an established code of civility or politeness <opened the door without ceremony and strode in>
See ceremony defined for English-language learners
See ceremony defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CEREMONY
Middle English ceremonie, from Middle French ceremonie, from Latin caerimonia
Related to CEREMONY
- Synonyms
- ceremonial, rite, form, formality, observance, ritual, solemnity
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with CEREMONY
CEREMONY Defined for Kids
ceremony
noun cer·e·mo·ny \ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē\
plural cer·e·mo·nies 1
Definition of CEREMONY for Kids
2
: very polite behavior : formality <“Who are you?” the lady demanded without ceremony.>
Learn More About CEREMONY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: Cerenkov radiationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ceremoniousAll Words Near: ceremony
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up ceremony? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).