Maundy Thursday

noun

Maun·​dy Thursday ˈmȯn-dē- How to pronounce Maundy Thursday (audio)
ˈmän-
: the Thursday before Easter observed in commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist

Examples of Maundy Thursday in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When Is Maundy Thursday 2024? Maundy Thursday is March 28 in 2024. Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 14 Feb. 2024 Every year, the celebration begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts about six weeks before ending on Maundy Thursday. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 17 Jan. 2024 Here, see all the best photos of King Charles and Queen Camilla on Maundy Thursday 2023: The King and Queen Consort wave to the crowds outside York Minister. Town & Country, 7 Apr. 2023 Some of those traditions, like Maundy Thursday services, are similar to how the occasion is recognized in Hispanic countries, according to Rev. Scott Murphy, the church's pastor. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2023 What is Maundy Thursday? Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday as the Roman Catholic Church calls it, is commemorated on the last Thursday of Lent. Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 3 Apr. 2023 The day after Holy Wednesday is Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper between Jesus and his disciples. Juliana Labianca, Good Housekeeping, 12 Dec. 2022 The monarch devised a safe, socially-distant way to carry out her pre-Easter tradition, known as Maundy Thursday. Kayleigh Roberts, Harper's BAZAAR, 3 Apr. 2021 Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday (the Sunday after the first full moon in the March equinox) and ends on Maundy Thursday, which is celebrated four days before Easter Sunday. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Maundy Thursday.' 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 maunde ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday, from Anglo-French mandet, from Latin mandatum command; from Jesus' words in John 13:34 — more at mandate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maundy Thursday was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near Maundy Thursday

Cite this Entry

“Maundy Thursday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maundy%20Thursday. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Maundy Thursday

noun
Maun·​dy Thursday ˌmȯn-dē- How to pronounce Maundy Thursday (audio)
ˌmän-
: the Thursday before Easter
Etymology

Middle English maunde "ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter," from early French mandé (same meaning), from Latin mandatum "command"; so called from Jesus' words "A new Commandment I give to you …" in John 13:34 (RSV) after he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper

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