rite of passage /ˌɹaɪt‿əv ˈpæsɪd͡ʒ/ noun2 •A ceremony or series of ceremonies, often very ritualized, to celebrate a passage or transition from one stage of a person's life to another. •Any significant event or experience that marks a transition from one stage in a person's life to another.After John officially attained his majority, Robert bought him his first beer. This is a common American rite of passage. formsrites of passage