procession

1 of 2

noun

pro·​ces·​sion prə-ˈse-shən 

1

a

: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way

b

: succession, sequence

2

a

: continuous forward movement : progression

b

: emanation

the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father

procession

2 of 2

verb

processioned; processioning; processions

intransitive verb

archaic

: to go in procession

Synonyms

Noun

• cortege
• cortège
• parade

Examples of procession in a Sentence

Noun

There was a procession of children carrying candles.

The cars moved in procession to the cemetery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As police urged crowds to let cars pass and owners hastily adjusted costumes, onlookers spilled past metal barricades and joined the actual parade about an hour after the procession began. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

During Gai Jatra, families who have lost a loved one in the past year lead a cow in the procession, because cows guide the souls of the dead into heaven. —Matt Ralphs, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024

His funeral included a jazz-band procession through the neighborhood. —Ben McGrath, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

The Festival of Fireworks in nearby Rapallo happens July 1-3 and includes stunning fireworks displays and processions honoring the Madonna of Montallegro, the town’s patron saint. —Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English processioun, from Anglo-French processiun, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin procession-, processio religious procession, from Latin, act of proceeding, from procedere

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1691, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

procession

noun

pro·​ces·​sion

prə-ˈsesh-ən

1

: continuous forward movement : progression

2

: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way

a funeral procession