rite

American  

[rahyt] / raɪt /

noun

1. a formal or ceremonial act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious or other solemn use.

   rites of baptism; sacrificial rites.

   Synonyms:

   usage , form , observance

2. a particular form or system of religious or other ceremonial practice.

   the Roman rite.

3. (often initial capital letter)  a liturgy or liturgical system, especially one of the historical versions of the Eucharistic service.

   the Anglican Rite.

4. (sometimes initial capital letter)  a division or differentiation of churches based on liturgical practice.

5. any customary observance or practice.

   the rite of afternoon tea.

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rite British  

/ raɪt /

noun

1. a formal act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious ceremonies

   fertility rites

   the rite of baptism

2. a particular body of such acts or procedures, esp of a particular Christian Church

   the Latin rite

3. a Christian Church

   the Greek rite

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Related Words

See ceremony.

Other Word Forms

• riteless adjective
• ritelessness noun

Etymology

Origin of rite

1275–1325; Middle English (< Old French rit ( e )) < Latin rītus

Example Sentences

It’s a rite of passage leaving the nest for the son to explore the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Hosting on a budget is a rite of passage, I think—a kind of domestic apprenticeship where you suddenly realize that ambience is not something you can buy in the seasonal aisle.

From Salon

A welcome contribution to the 5 p.m. rite, this bright-yellow box of 10 savory cheese biscuits pairs perfectly with a chilled Beaujolais. is.

From The Wall Street Journal

So the journey is a rite of passage for many cruisers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Popping a bike wheelie may be a rite of childhood, but not everyone is successful, and no one has ever been as successful as Oscar Delaite.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• celebration
• custom
• formality
• liturgy
• observance
• occasion
• procedure
• ritual