ritual

1 of 2

adjective

rit·​u·​al ˈri-chə-wəl How to pronounce ritual (audio)
-chəl;
ˈrich-wəl
1
: of or relating to rites or a ritual : ceremonial
a ritual dance
2
: according to religious law
ritual purity
3
: done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol
ritual handshakes
ritual background checks
ritually adverb

ritual

2 of 2

noun

1
: the established form for a ceremony
specifically : the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony
2
a
: ritual observance
specifically : a system of rites
b
: a ceremonial act or action
c
: an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner

Examples of ritual in a Sentence

Noun The priest will perform the ritual. He was buried simply, without ceremony or ritual. the daily ritual of preparing breakfast His day-to-day life is based on ritual.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The exhibition will include seals of the pharaohs, Egyptian statues, ritual vessels and other examples of Egypt’s cultural influence on Israel. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 Other items include seals of the pharaohs, Egyptian statues and ritual vessels, the authority said. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
In 2025, that emotional fast food ritual is back, this time pixelated and playfully spicy. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The fitness influencer recently achieved immense internet fame after a Feb. 7 video showcasing his six-hour wellness ritual recirculated across different social media platforms. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ritual

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin ritualis, from ritus rite

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ritual was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritual. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ritual

1 of 2 adjective
rit·​u·​al ˈrich(ə-)wəl How to pronounce ritual (audio)
ˈrich-əl
1
: of or relating to rites or a ritual
a ritual dance
2
: according to religious law or social custom
ritually
adverb

ritual

2 of 2 noun
1
: an established form for a ceremony
2
a
: a system of rites
b
: a ceremonial act or action
c
: a formal and customarily repeated act or series of acts

Medical Definition

ritual

noun
rit·​u·​al ˈrich-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce ritual (audio)
: any act or practice regularly repeated in a set precise manner for relief of anxiety
obsessive-compulsive rituals

More from Merriam-Webster on ritual

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