procession
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a line of people or vehicles moving forward in a slow and formal way for a special event.
a group of individuals, vehicles, or objects moving along in an orderly, often solemn or ceremonial manner.
Simple“The funeral procession moved slowly through the city streets toward the cathedral.”
In context“A solemn procession of mourners followed the casket, their rhythmic footsteps echoing against the cobblestones of the ancient square.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
a series of people or things that happen or appear one after another.
a continuous or orderly sequence of events, people, or items occurring in space or time.
Simple“A long procession of witnesses came forward to speak at the trial.”
In context“The afternoon was filled with a wearying procession of applicants, each presenting nearly identical qualifications for the single available position.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
when several players in a cricket team lose their turn very quickly.
the rapid and sequential dismissal of a series of batsmen.
Simple“After the captain was out, there was a procession of batsmen back to the pavilion.”
In context“The opening bowler's hat-trick triggered a pathetic procession of middle-order batsmen, effectively ending the match before tea.”
Synonyms
“Muslims in Iraq, Libya and Morocco gathered for Mawlid al-Nabi, marking Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with prayers, processions and celebrations.”
“She will be laid to rest following a celebration of life service and procession.”
From Middle English processioun, borrowed from Old French pourciession, from Latin prōcessiō (“a marching forward, an advance, in Late Latin a religious procession”), from prōcēdere, past participle prōcessus (“to move forward, advance, proceed”); see proceed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.