Ash Wednesday

noun

: the first day of Lent

Examples of Ash Wednesday in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Ash Wednesday, 2026, two Roman Catholic priests and a religious sister entered an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, to celebrate Mass with detainees inside. Hosffman Ospino, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026 The Lenten season occurs from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday and does not include Sundays. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2026 After celebrating an Ash Wednesday service with four migrants who had just arrived at a detention center near Chicago, clergy there are working with immigration authorities to set up regular visits. Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026 After celebrating an Ash Wednesday service with four migrants who had just arrived at a detention center near Chicago, clergy there are working with immigration authorities to set up regular visits. ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Ash Wednesday

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ash Wednesday was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ash Wednesday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ash%20Wednesday. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

Ash Wednesday

noun
: the first day of Lent

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