procession

1 of 2

noun

pro·​ces·​sion prə-ˈse-shən How to pronounce procession (audio)
1
a
: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way
2
a
: continuous forward movement : progression
b
: emanation
the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father

procession

2 of 2

verb

processioned; processioning; processions

intransitive verb

archaic
: to go in procession

Examples of procession in a Sentence

Noun There was a procession of children carrying candles. The cars moved in procession to the cemetery.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Twice a year, this subtle procession aligns the setting sun perfectly with New York City's street grid, placing it right in the center of the concrete canyon, creating a spectacular photo opportunity. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2025 Thus, that Walter Cup is staying in St. Paul. Pre-party procession The Minnesota Frost walked with the Walter Cup from the Tria Rink at 400 Wabasha St. N. to the Xcel Energy Center, located at the corner of West Seventh Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025 Drivers must now pit at least twice, a ruling which aimed to avoid the kind of procession many fans complain can occur on the narrow, twisiting Monégasque roads on which overtaking is difficult. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 25 May 2025 They are then activated in numerous ways, including in performances, processions, and other ceremonies by either the masquerade artist or another practitioner. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for procession

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English processioun, from Anglo-French processiun, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin procession-, processio religious procession, from Latin, act of proceeding, from procedere

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of procession was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Procession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

procession

noun
pro·​ces·​sion
prə-ˈsesh-ən
1
: continuous forward movement : progression
2
: a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way
a funeral procession

More from Merriam-Webster on procession

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