ceremony
noun
cer·e·mo·ny
ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē 
ˈse-rə-
plural ceremonies
1
: a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
the marriage ceremony
2
a
: a conventional act of politeness or etiquette
the ceremony of introduction
b
: an action performed only formally with no deep significance
the custom had probably been long a mere ceremony—
C. Thirlwall
C. Thirlwall
c
: a routine action performed with elaborate pomp
Liz Claiborne Inc. chief executive officer William McComb and Liz Claiborne New York creative director Isaac Mizrahi rang the closing bell [of the New York Stock Exchange], a daily ceremony they followed with the first-ever fashion show on the trading floor.—Marc Karimzadeh
Marc Karimzadeh3
a
: prescribed procedures : usages
the ceremony attending an inauguration
b
: observance of an established code of civility or politeness
opened the door without ceremony and strode in
Synonyms
Examples of ceremony in a Sentence
There will be a ceremony honoring the town's veterans next week.
With great ceremony, the children presented each of the visitors with a gift.
He told them abruptly and without ceremony that they would have to leave.
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump returns to White House for symbolic meeting President-elect Donald Trump will meet with President Joe Biden today in a symbolic White House ceremony meant to signal the peaceful transfer of power.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
The celebration started with a ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, then traveled along Santa Clara Street to Market Street, where the parade turned south to finish at San Carlos Street.
—Dai Sugano, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
Combining the All Star Awards, which will be featured alongside TV shows and films that depict proud and authentic moments, as well as a new category – the Lion of Israel Award, the awards ceremony is designed as a celebration of the contribution of the Jewish faith in the arts.
—Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The European Film Academy has announced the nominees in key categories of the 37th European Film Awards ahead of the ceremony in the Swiss lakeside city of Lucerne on December 7.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
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Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
The celebration started with a ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, then traveled along Santa Clara Street to Market Street, where the parade turned south to finish at San Carlos Street.
—Dai Sugano, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
Combining the All Star Awards, which will be featured alongside TV shows and films that depict proud and authentic moments, as well as a new category – the Lion of Israel Award, the awards ceremony is designed as a celebration of the contribution of the Jewish faith in the arts.
—Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The European Film Academy has announced the nominees in key categories of the 37th European Film Awards ahead of the ceremony in the Swiss lakeside city of Lucerne on December 7.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ceremony
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Dictionary Entries Near ceremony
Cite this Entry
“Ceremony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremony. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ceremony
noun
cer·e·mo·ny
ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē
plural ceremonies
1
: a formal act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules
graduation ceremonies
2
: very polite behavior : formality
dined without ceremony
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