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processional

American  
[pruh-sesh-uh-nl] / prəˈsɛʃ ə nl /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a procession.

  2. of the nature of a procession; moving in an orderly or regular succession, sequence, or the like.

  3. of a style, design, etc., customarily used in processions.

    processional regalia.

  4. sung or played during a procession, as a hymn, march, etc.


noun

  1. a piece of music, as a hymn or slow march, suitable for accompanying a procession.

  2. a book containing hymns, litanies, etc., for use in religious processions.

processional British  
/ prəˈsɛʃənəl /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or suitable for a procession

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. Christianity

    1. a book containing the prayers, hymns, litanies, and liturgy prescribed for processions

    2. a hymn, litany, etc, used in a procession

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of processional

1400–50; (noun) late Middle English: service book < Medieval Latin prōcessiōnāle, noun use of neuter of prōcessiōnālis in a procession; (adj.) < Medieval Latin prōcessiōnālis; see procession, -al 2, -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One of the main goals of the regulations was to increase the frequency of passing during races in a sport that has often been too processional.

From The Wall Street Journal May 1, 2026

Yes the race can be processional, because overtaking is so difficult.

From BBC May 21, 2025

Lavanya Sharma, 21, who was selected to be a flag bearer, was among those in the processional that kicked off the Coliseum celebration.

From Los Angeles Times May 16, 2025

On March 4 and 6, Disneyland is hosting a ’90s Nite, featuring throwbacks to Disney films and music from the decade, as well as processional that will highlight “The Lion King” and “Mulan.”

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 5, 2024

I kept walking my processional walk, thinking of all the kids who had voted for me, not wanting to let them down, although in a way I already had.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

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