Eid

noun

ˈēd 

plural Eids

: either of two Islamic festivals:

a

or Eid al-Adha

ˈēd-əl-ˈäd-(h)ə  -ˈəd- 

: an Islamic festival that begins on the 10th day of Dhu'l-Hijja, that lasts four days, and that commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael

… many people in the Arab world facing grinding economic crisis as the year's biggest Muslim festival approaches … are looking at the prospect of a lean Eid.

—Kuwait Times

On the first day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims who are able to do so mirror the behaviour of the prophet. They slaughter animals such as sheep, cows and goats in the name of Allah, and share it amongst family, friends and the needy.

—Ramazani Mwamba

—often used before another noun

Eid prayers

b

or Eid al-Fitr

ˈēd-əl-ˈfi-tər 

: an Islamic festival that takes place during the first three days of Shawwal and marks the end of Ramadan with prayer, gifts, and sweets

At the end of Ramadan, we relish the relaxing mood of ‎Eid, because we can break our fast and enjoy our time with ‎family, friends, and community.

—Abdulrahman Bindamnan

For the three-day celebration Eid al-Fitr, which concludes the holy month, families host banquets, exchange gifts and feast on everything from … whole stuffed lamb to rice pudding and pistachio cakes.

—Nancy Matsumoto

—often used before another noun

Eid celebrations

see also eid mubarak

Examples of Eid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Several school districts have recently made Eid a holiday. —Corey Williams, Giovanna Dell'orto, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024

If all goes well, a few days before Eid, my wife will give birth to our second child—one more reason to try to celebrate. —Zaina Arafat, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

The last day of the fast, Eid al-Fitr, is one of Islam’s two official holidays. —Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024

In countries with larger Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is considered a national holiday, closing schools, businesses, etc., and allowing families, neighbors and friends able to partake in the celebrations together. —Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024

Produced by Michael Wrenn, Dan Lake, Shannon Wilson-McClinton and Diya Eid at Invisible Republic and Orange Entertainment, the film sees rights sales in international markets handled by the U.K.’s Bankside Films. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024

For Suha — by Eid al-Ahda in 2021, when her own anxiety took over — her older brother had moved back, her youngest brother was addicted, and her middle brother had died from an overdose. —Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024

The holiday marking the end of Ramadan is called Eid ul-Fitr. —The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024

As with Eid or Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah is traditionally celebrated with lavish feasts and fine holiday clothes. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Arabic ʽīd al-ʼaḍḥā "Festival of the Sacrifice" and ʽīd al-fiṭr "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast"

Note: The transliteration Eid probably represents pronunciation of ʽīd in Persian as /eid/.

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Eid

• Eid al-Adha
• Eid al-Fitr
• Eid Mubarak