ceremony

noun

cer·​e·​mo·​ny ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē 

ˈse-rə-

plural ceremonies

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

the custom had probably been long a mere ceremony

—C. Thirlwall

c

: a routine action performed with elaborate pomp

Liz Claiborne Inc. chief executive officer William McComb and Liz Claiborne New York creative director Isaac Mizrahi rang the closing bell [of the New York Stock Exchange], a daily ceremony they followed with the first-ever fashion show on the trading floor.

—Marc Karimzadeh

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

Synonyms

• ceremonial
• form
• formality
• observance
• rite
• ritual
• solemnity

Examples of ceremony in a Sentence

There will be a ceremony honoring the town's veterans next week.

With great ceremony, the children presented each of the visitors with a gift.

He told them abruptly and without ceremony that they would have to leave.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump returns to White House for symbolic meeting President-elect Donald Trump will meet with President Joe Biden today in a symbolic White House ceremony meant to signal the peaceful transfer of power. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

The celebration started with a ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, then traveled along Santa Clara Street to Market Street, where the parade turned south to finish at San Carlos Street. —Dai Sugano, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024

Combining the All Star Awards, which will be featured alongside TV shows and films that depict proud and authentic moments, as well as a new category – the Lion of Israel Award, the awards ceremony is designed as a celebration of the contribution of the Jewish faith in the arts. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The European Film Academy has announced the nominees in key categories of the 37th European Film Awards ahead of the ceremony in the Swiss lakeside city of Lucerne on December 7. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ceremonie, from Middle French ceremonie, from Latin caerimonia

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ceremony

• stand on ceremony

Kids Definition

ceremony

noun

cer·​e·​mo·​ny ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē 

plural ceremonies

1

: a formal act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules

graduation ceremonies

2

: very polite behavior : formality

dined without ceremony