ceremony
SEHR-ih-muh-nee
Ceremony (noun) means a formal event held to mark or celebrate something important. Example: “They held the wedding ceremony in a small chapel.”
noun
1
A formal event held to mark or celebrate something important.
"They held the wedding ceremony in a small chapel."
"The graduation ceremony lasted two hours."
"The whole village gathered for the opening ceremony of the new library."
2
Formal politeness or observance of set procedure.
"He greeted the guests without much ceremony."
"The royal guests were received with great ceremony at the palace gates."
"Without any ceremony, the manager handed out the new timetables and left."
How to use ceremony
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal event or ritual marking something important, or formal politeness in general.
Common pairings
wedding ceremony
opening ceremony
without ceremony
stand on ceremony
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Word forms
- Plural
- ceremonies, ceremonys
Fill the gap
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They held the wedding _____ in a small chapel.
Etymology
From Latin caerimonia ("sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ceremony
See all rhymes for ceremony →Frequently asked questions
What does “ceremony” mean?
The word “ceremony” means a formal event held to mark or celebrate something important. In plain terms, a formal event or ritual marking something important, or formal politeness in general.
How do you pronounce “ceremony”?
“Ceremony” is pronounced SEHR-ih-muh-nee (/ˈsɛɹ.əˌmoʊ.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “ceremony” in a sentence?
Here is “ceremony” used in a sentence: “They held the wedding ceremony in a small chapel.”
What part of speech is “ceremony”?
“Ceremony” is a noun.
Where does the word “ceremony” come from?
The word “ceremony” comes from Latin. From Latin caerimonia ("sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite").
Is “ceremony” a common word?
“Ceremony” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “ceremony” have?
“Ceremony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal event held to mark or celebrate something important.
What is the difference between a ceremony and a celebration?
A ceremony is the formal, often ritualised part of an occasion, with set words and actions performed in a particular order, like a wedding ceremony or graduation. A celebration is the broader, usually joyful marking of the event, which can be relaxed and informal, such as the party or reception that follows.
What are some examples of ceremonies?
Common ceremonies include weddings, funerals, graduations, and religious rites such as baptisms. Public and official examples are award ceremonies, inaugurations, coronations, and opening or closing ceremonies at sporting events. Each is a formal occasion staged to mark something meaningful, often following long-established customs and a set order of events.
What are the main types of ceremony?
Ceremonies are often grouped by setting. Religious ceremonies follow the rites of a faith; civil ceremonies are secular, like a registry-office wedding. State or official ceremonies mark national events, and academic ceremonies include graduations. There are also personal milestone ceremonies for births, comings of age, marriages, and deaths.
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