ceremony

[ ser-uh-moh-nee ]

noun

, plural cer·e·mo·nies.

1. the formal activities conducted on some solemn or important public or state occasion:

   the coronation ceremony.

2. a formal religious or sacred observance; a solemn rite:

   a marriage ceremony.

3. formal observances or gestures collectively; ceremonial observances:

   The breathless messenger had no time for ceremony.

4. any formal act or observance, especially a meaningless one:

   His low bow was mere ceremony.

5. a gesture or act of politeness or civility:

   the ceremony of a handshake.

6. strict adherence to conventional forms; formality:

   to leave a room without ceremony.

ceremony

/ ˈsɛrɪmənɪ /

noun

1. a formal act or ritual, often set by custom or tradition, performed in observation of an event or anniversary

   a ceremony commemorating Shakespeare's birth

2. a religious rite or series of rites
3. a courteous gesture or act

   the ceremony of toasting the Queen

4. ceremonial observances or gestures collectively

   the ceremony of a monarchy

5. stand on ceremony
   to insist on or act with excessive formality
6. without ceremony
   in a casual or informal manner

Other Words From

• pre·cere·mony noun plural preceremonies

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceremony¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ceremonie, from Medieval Latin cēremōnia, from Latin caerimōnia “sacred rite”; replacing Middle English cerymonye, from Middle French cerimonie, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceremony¹

C14: from Medieval Latin cēremōnia, from Latin caerimōnia what is sacred, a religious rite

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. stand on ceremony, to behave in a formal or ceremonious manner.

More idioms and phrases containing ceremony

see stand on (ceremony) .

Synonym Study

Ceremony, rite, ritual refer to set observances and acts traditional in religious services or on public occasions. Ceremony applies to more or less formal dignified acts on religious or public occasions: a marriage ceremony; an inaugural ceremony. A rite is an established, prescribed, or customary form of religious or other solemn practice: the rite of baptism. Ritual refers to the form of conducting worship or to a code of ceremonies in general: Masonic rituals.

Example Sentences

The three laureates were notified this week that the award ceremony will take place in May 2025.

From Science Magazine

A Norwegian spruce, which is sent to London every year for Christmas, has been felled in a traditional ceremony.

From BBC

Reconstruction continued at the station even after the inauguration – and this summer there was another opening ceremony.

From BBC

A town council in Canada is at a standstill after its newly elected members refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles III as required in the swearing-in ceremony.

From BBC

Last year, the National Book Awards lost several sponsors, including subscription service Book of the Month, after 20 finalists took the stage during the ceremony to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commemoration
• function
• observance
• parade
• rite
• service
• show