ceremonial

[ ser-uh-moh-nee-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by ceremony; formal; ritual:

   a ceremonial occasion.

   Synonyms: ceremonious, conventional, solemn

   Antonyms: informal

2. used in or in connection with ceremonies:

   ceremonial robes.

noun

1. a system of ceremonies, rites, or formalities prescribed for or observed on any particular occasion; a rite.

   Synonyms: liturgy, ritual

2. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. the order for rites and ceremonies.
   2. a book containing it.
3. formal behavior found at, or appropriate to, a certain occasion:

   the ceremonial of a state banquet.

ceremonial

/ ˌsɛrɪˈməʊnɪəl /

adjective

1. involving or relating to ceremony or ritual

noun

1. the observance of formality, esp in etiquette
2. a plan for formal observances on a particular occasion; ritual
3. Christianity
   1. the prescribed order of rites and ceremonies
   2. a book containing this

Derived Forms

• ˌcereˈmonialism, noun
• ˌcereˈmonially, adverb
• ˌcereˈmonialist, noun

Other Words From

• cere·moni·al·ism noun
• cere·moni·al·ist noun
• cere·moni·al·ly adverb
• anti·cere·moni·al adjective
• anti·cere·moni·al·ly adverb
• anti·cere·moni·al·ism noun
• anti·cere·moni·al·ist noun adjective
• noncer·e·moni·al adjective
• noncer·e·moni·al·ly adverb
• precer·e·moni·al adjective
• uncer·e·moni·al adjective
• uncer·e·moni·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceremonial¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin cēremōniālis, Late Latin caerimōniālis. See ceremony, -al ¹

Example Sentences

After ripping up a copy of the bill in front of Seymour, Māori members who opposed the bill and some spectators in the gallery joined in the ceremonial dance.

From Salon

Competitors weighed in behind closed doors on Thursday afternoon but weights were not made public until the ceremonial weigh-in later in the evening.

From BBC

Opposition party MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke began the traditional ceremonial group dance after being asked whether her party supported the bill, which faced its first vote on Thursday.

From BBC

“Now, dinner has become ceremonial to me. It’s so special. It’s a time that we can all sit down and really take a moment. I don’t do that otherwise.”

From Los Angeles Times

He joked about how he’d probably fall down if he attempted his look-to-the-heavens windup when throwing out the ceremonial first pitch opening day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• liturgical
• solemn
• stately