ceremonial

[ser-uh-moh-nee-uhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by ceremony; formal; ritual.

   a ceremonial occasion.

   Synonyms: ceremonious, conventional, solemn
   Antonyms: informal

2. used in or in connection with ceremonies.

   ceremonial robes.

noun

1. a system of ceremonies, rites, or formalities prescribed for or observed on any particular occasion; a rite.

   Synonyms: liturgy, ritual

2. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. the order for rites and ceremonies.

   2. a book containing it.

3. formal behavior found at, or appropriate to, a certain occasion.

   the ceremonial of a state banquet.

ceremonial

/ ˌsɛrɪˈməʊnɪəl /

adjective

1. involving or relating to ceremony or ritual

noun

1. the observance of formality, esp in etiquette

2. a plan for formal observances on a particular occasion; ritual

3. Christianity

   1. the prescribed order of rites and ceremonies

   2. a book containing this

Other Word Forms

• ceremonialism noun
• ceremonially adverb
• ceremonialist noun
• anticeremonial adjective
• anticeremonially adverb
• anticeremonialism noun
• anticeremonialist noun
• nonceremonial adjective
• nonceremonially adverb
• preceremonial adjective
• unceremonial adjective
• unceremonially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceremonial¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin cēremōniālis, Late Latin caerimōniālis. See ceremony, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Ultraman brought no merchandise with him, but he did bring an evil nemesis, who tried to steal the show during the ceremonial first pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

The press has turned scraps into something ceremonial.

From Salon

The office is a largely ceremonial post that has been a launchpad for the governor’s mansion in the past: Both Newsom and former Gov. Gray Davis previously served as lieutenant governor.

From Los Angeles Times

Betty, Penelope and Cecil docked in Boston to much fanfare, before the trio was reportedly escorted via limousine to New York City, where Australia's ambassador was waiting to feed them the ceremonial first worm.

From BBC

Chancellor is a mainly ceremonial role, though the university has faced opposition from some staff and students over Ms Clinton's stance on the conflict in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

• liturgical 
• solemn 
• stately