holy thursday: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowReligious, Formal, Historical, Educational
Quick answer
What does “holy thursday” mean?
In Christian tradition, the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Christian tradition, the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
The term can also refer to Ascension Day (the Thursday 40 days after Easter) in some Christian denominations, primarily Anglicanism, and is a public holiday in certain countries. It is also used in education to refer to the Thursday before the Easter school holiday.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Holy Thursday' can ambiguously refer to either Maundy Thursday (before Easter) or Ascension Day. In the US, it almost exclusively means Maundy Thursday. The UK also uses 'Maundy Thursday' more precisely for the day before Good Friday.
Connotations
In the US, the term is strongly and specifically religious. In the UK, it can have a religious connotation but also a neutral, calendrical one related to the start of a holiday.
Frequency
More frequent in the UK due to its dual meaning (religious and secular/holiday reference). In the US, 'Maundy Thursday' is often preferred in liturgical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “holy thursday” in a Sentence
[Observe/Celebrate] + Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday + [falls/occurs/is]On + Holy Thursday + [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy thursday” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The school will close for Holy Thursday.
- They traditionally fast on Holy Thursday.
American English
- The parish will observe Holy Thursday with a evening mass.
- We commemorate Holy Thursday.
adjective
British English
- The Holy Thursday service is very moving.
- We have a Holy Thursday holiday.
American English
- The Holy Thursday liturgy includes the washing of feet.
- Her Holy Thursday preparations began early.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in holiday scheduling notices, e.g., 'The office will close early for Holy Thursday.'
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or cultural studies discussing Christian liturgy or calendar.
Everyday
Used to refer to the start of the Easter holiday period, e.g., 'We break up from school on Holy Thursday.'
Technical
Used in liturgical calendars, ecclesiastical documents, and religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy thursday”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy thursday”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy thursday”
- Writing it uncapitalised when referring to the feast day ('holy thursday').
- Confusing it with Good Friday.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes, especially in American English. In British English, 'Holy Thursday' can also refer to Ascension Day, so 'Maundy Thursday' is the unambiguous term for the Thursday before Easter.
It is a public holiday in many countries with strong Catholic traditions (e.g., Spain, Costa Rica). In the UK and US, it is not a federal/national holiday, but businesses and schools may close early.
The word 'Maundy' derives from the Latin 'mandatum' (commandment), referring to Jesus's command to love one another, given at the Last Supper.
In Christian churches, it typically involves a Mass commemorating the Last Supper, often including the washing of feet (reenacting Jesus washing his disciples' feet) and the blessing of holy oils.
In Christian tradition, the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
Holy thursday is usually religious, formal, historical, educational in register.
Holy thursday: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈθɜːzdeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈθɜːrzdeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Holy' Week leads to Easter. 'Holy Thursday' is the holy day that starts with 'T' during that week.
Conceptual Metaphor
A THRESHOLD (the day marking the start of the Easter Triduum and the end of Lent).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'Holy Thursday' can sometimes refer to: