First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
1ritual
adjective rit·u·al \ˈri-chə-wəl, -chəl; ˈrich-wəl\
: done as part of a ceremony or ritual
: always done in a particular situation and in the same way each time
Full Definition of RITUAL
1
: of or relating to rites or a ritual : ceremonial <a ritual dance>
2
: according to religious law <ritual purity>
3
: done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol <ritual handshakes> <ritual background checks>
— rit·u·al·ly adverb
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Origin of RITUAL
Latin ritualis, from ritus rite
2ritual
noun
: a formal ceremony or series of acts that is always performed in the same way
: an act or series of acts done in a particular situation and in the same way each time
Full Definition of RITUAL
1
: the established form for a ceremony; specifically : the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony
2
a : ritual observance; specifically : a system of rites b : a ceremonial act or action c : an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner
See ritual defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RITUAL
1649
Related to RITUAL
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
RITUAL Defined for Kids
ritual
noun rit·u·al \ˈri-chə-wəl\
Definition of RITUAL for Kids
: a ceremony or series of acts that is always performed the same way
Medical Dictionary
ritual
noun rit·u·al \ˈrich-(ə-)wəl\
Medical Definition of RITUAL
: any act or practice regularly repeated in a set precise manner for relief of anxiety <obsessive-compulsive rituals>
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