1
a
: a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony
b
: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2
: a ceremonial act or action
initiation rites
3
: a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy
Examples of rite in a Sentence
Incense is often burned in their religious rites.
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
Recent Examples on the Web
Declaring fealty to this point of view has now become a sacred rite within the GOP, not unlike endorsement of the claim that the 2020 election was a fraud.
—
Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 May 2025
As part of the rites, Leo received the ring of the fisherman from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle — a symbol of the pontiff's authority and reference to Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, regarded as the first pope — as well as the pallium, a white vestment traditionally worn by the pope.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 May 2025
The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings Tuesday morning, during which Francis’ fisherman’s ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Francis, who scaled back rules for papal funeral rites a year ago, made sure his own service and burial reflected that same message of simplicity − breaking from tradition even in death.
—Susan Miller, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
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Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 May 2025
As part of the rites, Leo received the ring of the fisherman from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle — a symbol of the pontiff's authority and reference to Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, regarded as the first pope — as well as the pallium, a white vestment traditionally worn by the pope.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 May 2025
The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings Tuesday morning, during which Francis’ fisherman’s ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Francis, who scaled back rules for papal funeral rites a year ago, made sure his own service and burial reflected that same message of simplicity − breaking from tradition even in death.
—Susan Miller, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rite. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rite
noun1
a
: a fixed form for a ceremony
b
: the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2
: a ceremonial act or action
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