tradition

noun

tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce tradition (audio)
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
2
: 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
traditionless adjective

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 But there’s a long Alpine tradition of gentian herbal medicine evolving into this specific liqueur, often known as gentiane in France. M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 The 2019 continues the family tradition with aromas of honeydew, nectarine, and white citrus blossoms that transfer seamlessly to the palate with additional flavors of apple, pineapple, and mango. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 Her knack for reality raps builds on a long tradition of giving voice to the voiceless, delivered with the passion of the unheard finally given a megaphone. Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2024 Paciência Organic produces soap and oil from medicinal plants, resuscitating the traditions of natural healing prevalent before centuries of Catholicism and decades of communism stamped them out. Catherine Fairweather, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024 Those protests became an annual tradition drawing tens of thousands of democracy advocates and helping opposition parties raise funds. TIME, 19 Mar. 2024 The Noblesville taproom serves Bier's expansive blend of award-winning beers, which lean heavily on German and Belgian brewing traditions, plus wine, spirits, pizza, chicken wings and other food. The Indianapolis Star, 18 Mar. 2024 Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Accounts continue in that tradition. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 Athletes competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were asked not to get in close contact with one another to stop the spread of COVID The Olympics are set to revive an old tradition — that is, providing thousands of condoms to the athletes for use during the event. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tradition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tradition was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tradition

Cite this Entry

“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tradition

noun
tra·​di·​tion trə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce tradition (audio)
1
: the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another
2
: a belief or custom handed down by tradition
Etymology

Middle English tradicioun "tradition," from early French tradicion (same meaning) and Latin tradition-, traditio "the action of handing over, tradition," — related to treason see Word History at treason

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 traditionLouisiana Civil Code
Etymology

French, legal transfer

More from Merriam-Webster on tradition

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