ritual ritual /ˈrɪtʃuːəl/

adjective

1. Of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals  ( ritual )
   of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals
    A ritual dance of Haiti
   a ritual dance of Haiti
    Sedate little colonial tribe with its ritual tea parties
   sedate little colonial tribe with its ritual tea parties
   
2. Of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals  ( ritual )
   of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals
    Ritual killing
   ritual killing
   

noun

1. () Any customary observance or practice  ( rite , ritual )
   any customary observance or practice
     The religious ceremony followed a specific ritual.
   The religious ceremony followed a specific ritual.
   
2. () The prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies  ( ritual )
   the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
    The monks began their daily ritual of prayer at dawn.
   The monks began their daily ritual of prayer at dawn.
   
   
3. Stereotyped behavior  ( ritual )
   stereotyped behavior
    The ceremony involved a ritual that had been passed down for generations.
   The ceremony involved a ritual that had been passed down for generations.