tradition
noun
tra·di·tion
trə-ˈdi-shən 
1
a
: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)
b
: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
… the bulk of traditions attributed to the Prophet …—
J. L. Esposito
J. L. Esposito2
: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3
: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4
: characteristic manner, method, or style
in the best liberal tradition
Synonyms
Examples of tradition in a Sentence
One of our town's time-honored traditions is to have an Easter egg hunt the week before Easter.
It is their tradition to give thanks before they start eating.
There's an office tradition of wearing casual clothes on Fridays.
They no longer follow the traditions of their ancestors.
We broke with tradition and had goose for Thanksgiving instead of turkey.
By tradition, the celebration begins at midnight.
They no longer follow tradition.
According to tradition, the goddess lies sleeping beneath the mountain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Famed Chef Jean Imbert curated a feast that balanced the traditions of French gastronomy with his characteristic flair for modernity.
—Ian Malone, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
President Ronald Reagan invited him to the State of the Union days later, which started the tradition of featuring heroes in the House gallery.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2025
Wedding Etiquette: 7 Dos And Don'ts For Guests By Maria Morava
Relationships Reporter
1
Wedding etiquette is constantly changing—and one woman wants to bring back an old tradition.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Many cruises also highlight the cultural heritage of the region, showcasing the traditions of the Unangan (Aleut) people during village visits.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tradition 
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Ian Malone, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
President Ronald Reagan invited him to the State of the Union days later, which started the tradition of featuring heroes in the House gallery.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2025
Wedding Etiquette: 7 Dos And Don'ts For Guests By Maria Morava
Relationships Reporter
1
Wedding etiquette is constantly changing—and one woman wants to bring back an old tradition.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Many cruises also highlight the cultural heritage of the region, showcasing the traditions of the Unangan (Aleut) people during village visits.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tradition
Articles Related to tradition
Dictionary Entries Near tradition
Cite this Entry
“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tradition
noun
tra·di·tion
trə-ˈdish-ən
1
: the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another
2
: a belief or custom handed down by tradition
Legal Definition
tradition
noun
tra·di·tion
in the civil law of Louisiana
: transfer or acquisition of property especially by delivery with intent of both parties to transfer the title
delivery of the act of transfer or use of the right by the owner of the dominant estate constitutes tradition—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil CodeEtymology
French, legal transfer
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