rite /raɪt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: ritus ]
1 . a ceremony that is always performed in the same way, usually for religious purposes ⇨ ritual :
funeral rites
ancient fertility rites
These traditional rites are performed only by the women of the village.
2 . rite of passage a special ceremony or action that is a sign of a new stage in someone’s life, especially when a boy starts to become a man ⇨ coming of age
3 . last rites final prayers or religious ceremonies for someone who is dying:
A priest came to give him the last rites.