rite
Americannoun
-
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
-
a particular form or system of religious or other ceremonial practice.
the Roman rite.
-
(often initial capital letter) a liturgy or liturgical system, especially one of the historical versions of the Eucharistic service.
the Anglican Rite.
-
(sometimes initial capital letter) a division or differentiation of churches based on liturgical practice.
-
any customary observance or practice.
the rite of afternoon tea.
noun
-
a formal act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious ceremonies
fertility rites
the rite of baptism
-
a particular body of such acts or procedures, esp of a particular Christian Church
the Latin rite
-
a Christian Church
the Greek rite
Synonym Usage
See ceremony.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of rite
1275–1325; Middle English (< Old French rit ( e )) < Latin rītus
Explanation
A rite is a ceremony or event that leads to a new phase of life, like high school graduation or a bat mitzvah. Rites are rituals. Religions in particular have many rites, which include celebrations and sacraments such as baptism or confession. But people also use this word for any kind of event that signifies moving through a stage of life. For a football player, getting your first touchdown is a "rite of passage." Even a job interview could be considered a rite — it's a traditional ritual, something everyone has to go through before landing a first job.
Vocabulary lists containing rite
Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
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A Midsummer Night's Dream
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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.
It was a wistful and exciting moment, a rite of passage for many privileged middle-class parents around this time of year.
From Salon • May 31, 2026
Succinctly describe a time, place and activity that affected you: a rite of passage, a pivotal career move, a tragedy or unexpected turn of events.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
Earlier this month, while Cinco de Mayo revelers were swan-diving into pitchers of margaritas, a few dozen diners gathered in Brooklyn, N.Y., to celebrate a more wholesome annual rite: the arrival of ramp season.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
“Prom is more than a dance, it’s a rite of passage. This event reminds young people that they are worthy of celebration, belonging and bright futures,” Lewis said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026
During the rite itself, Father Stylianopoulos clipped a lock of Milton’s hair and dropped it into the water.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
