ritual Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any customary observance or practice
    rite.
  2. noun the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
  3. noun stereotyped behavior
  4. adjective of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals
    • ritual killing
  5. adjective of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals
    • a ritual dance of Haiti
    • sedate little colonial tribe with its ritual tea parties"- Nadine Gordimer

WordNet

Rit"u*al adjective
Etymology
L. ritualis, fr. ritus a rite: cf. F. rituel.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to rites or ritual; as, ritual service or sacrifices; the ritual law.
Rit"u*al noun
Etymology
Cf. F. rituel.
Definitions
  1. A prescribed form of performing divine service in a particular church or communion; as, the Jewish ritual.
  2. Hence, the code of ceremonies observed by an organization; as, the ritual of the freemasons.
  3. A book containing the rites to be observed.

Webster 1913