English Explanatory Dictionary

ceremony

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A ritual, with religious or cultural significance.
  2. An official gathering to celebrate, commemorate, or otherwise mark some event.
  3. A formal socially established behaviour, often in relation to people of different ranks; formality.
  4. Show of magnificence, display, ostentation.
  5. An accessory or object associated with a ritual.
  6. An omen or portent.

Pronunciation

/ˈsɛɹ.ɪ.mə.ni/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-ceremony.wav /ˈsɛɹ.əˌmoʊ.ni/ en-us-ceremony.ogg LL-Q1860 (eng)-Simplificationalizer-ceremony.wav /sɛˈɹɛ.mə.ni/

Word forms

ceremony ceremonies ceremonys caeremony cæremony caerimony cærimony ceremoney cerimony cerimoney

Etymology

From Middle English cerymonye, from Latin caerimonia or caeremonia, later often cerimonia (“sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite”).

Derived words

award ceremony awards ceremony ceremonial ceremonialism ceremonially ceremonialness ceremoniless ceremonious ceremoniously ceremoniousness closing ceremony flag ceremony initiation ceremony master of ceremonies master of ceremony mistress of ceremonies New Fire ceremony opening ceremony preceremony ramp ceremony smoking ceremony stand on ceremony tea ceremony without ceremony
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