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noun Uncommon

procession

pruh-SEH-shuhn

Procession (noun) means a group of people or vehicles moving forward together in an orderly line, often for a ceremony. Example: “A long procession followed the coffin to the church.”

noun
1
A group of people or vehicles moving forward together in an orderly line, often for a ceremony.
"A long procession followed the coffin to the church."
"The wedding procession made its way slowly down the aisle."

How to use procession

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA line of people, vehicles, or things moving along together, usually in a formal or ceremonial way.

Common pairings
funeral procession wedding procession religious procession

Word forms

processioned past tense, processions plural, processions singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A long _____ followed the coffin to the church.

Etymology

From Latin prōcessiō, "a marching forward," later used for a religious procession, from prōcēdere, "to advance."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for procession

See all rhymes for procession →

Frequently asked questions

What does “procession” mean?

The word “procession” means a group of people or vehicles moving forward together in an orderly line, often for a ceremony. In plain terms, a line of people, vehicles, or things moving along together, usually in a formal or ceremonial way.

How do you pronounce “procession”?

“Procession” is pronounced pruh-SEH-shuhn (/pɹəˈsɛʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “procession” in a sentence?

Here is “procession” used in a sentence: “A long procession followed the coffin to the church.”

What is another word for “procession”?

Words with a similar meaning to “procession” include process.

What part of speech is “procession”?

“Procession” is a noun.

Where does the word “procession” come from?

The word “procession” comes from Latin. From Latin prōcessiō, "a marching forward," later used for a religious procession, from prōcēdere, "to advance.".

Is “procession” a common word?

“Procession” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between a procession and a parade?

A procession is typically a formal, orderly movement of people or vehicles, often for a ceremony, religious event, or funeral, while a parade usually implies a more celebratory or festive public display. Processions tend to be solemn or ceremonial, whereas parades are often more lively and entertainment-focused.

What kinds of events typically involve a procession?

Processions commonly occur at weddings, funerals, religious festivals, and graduations, where participants move together in an orderly line as part of a ceremony. The term emphasizes formality and order rather than spontaneous movement.

Can procession refer to a sequence of non-physical things?

Yes, procession can be used figuratively to describe an ordered sequence of events or people over time, such as a procession of visitors or a procession of seasons, extending the idea of orderly movement beyond literal walking or vehicles.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial