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.

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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

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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

Other Word Forms

• nonprocessional adjective
• processionally adverb
• unprocessional adjective

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

The final day of the Tour is a processional stage, where traditionally the general classification leader is not challenged.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

The “SpongeBob SquarePants” stars are not the first animated characters to lead the processional.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 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

Recycled robes, processional marches, silver pens from Tiffany: It is graduation season in America.

From New York Times • May 23, 2024

The second time, I walk like I’m in a funeral processional and can’t answer Mrs. Carey’s questions.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas