rite

noun

ˈrīt 

1

a

: a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony

b

: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches

2

: a ceremonial act or action

initiation rites

3

: a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy

Synonyms

• ceremonial
• ceremony
• form
• formality
• observance
• ritual
• solemnity

Examples of rite in a Sentence

Incense is often burned in their religious rites.

the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation

Recent Examples on the Web

This is an ancient rite, dating back to the mists of 2014, and rivalries have already grown amiably intense. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

Originally launched in 2008, the festival has swelled into a veritable rite of spring, featuring dozens of world-class chefs, hundreds of wine and spirits producers and four days worth of signature tastings and dining events. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Part 2, on Sunday, is an inaugural Mass, with special rites to consecrate the main altar. —John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Lacking a central authority comparable to, say, the Vatican’s governance of the Catholic Church, Jews of different denominations have developed diverging rules and rites around what makes a valid conversion. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Greek arithmos number — more at arithmetic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rite

• initiation rite
• rite of passage
• Scottish rite
• York rite

Kids Definition

rite

noun

ˈrīt 

1

a

: a fixed form for a ceremony

b

: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches

2

: a ceremonial act or action