Halloween

noun

Hal·​low·​een ˌha-lə-ˈwēn  ˌhä- 

variants or less commonly Hallowe'en

: October 31 observed especially with dressing up in disguise, trick-or-treating, and displaying jack-o'-lanterns during the evening

Examples of Halloween in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Harvest Nights, Newfields' celebration of Halloween and fall rolled into one, will return once again, cementing itself as a festival staple. —The Indianapolis Star, 30 Aug. 2023

Since, she's appeared in other films including Murder Mystery and Hubie Halloween, per IMDb. —Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 29 Aug. 2023

Black icings and fondants can add a touch of sophistication to cookies and cakes on a birthday, on New Year's Eve, or at a wedding—or add a spooky element on Halloween. —Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2023

The Halloween Tree is a heartwarming and thought provoking story that both kids and adults can learn from. —Anna Mahan, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2023

TikTok Stars Bryce Hall and Addison Rae Spotted Kissing While in Couple's Halloween Costume Mongeau defended herself on an episode of her podcast Cancelled. —Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023

The pumpkin patch, haunted maze and other Halloween attractions will open later in September. — Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052; [e-mail]; @lizzzyacker Our journalism needs your support. —oregonlive, 29 Aug. 2023

The entire park gets in the holiday spirit with Halloween décor throughout. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2023

This movie's inclusion on any and all Halloween lists is a no-brainer. —Amy MacKelden, ELLE, 28 Aug. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

short for All Hallow Even (All Saints' Eve)

First Known Use

circa 1700, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Halloween

noun

Hal·​low·​een ˌhal-ə-ˈwēn  ˌhäl- 

: October 31 celebrated especially by wearing costumes, trick-or-treating, and displaying jack-o'-lanterns

Etymology

an altered form of All Hallow Even, the eve of All Saints' Day

Word Origin

Modern-day Christians know the first of November as All Saints' Day. In the Middle Ages it was called All Hallow Day. This was a hallowed or holy day celebrated in honor of all the saints in heaven. Since November 1 was a special holy day with a special name, the day before it had a special name as well. October 31 was called All Hallow Eve or All Hallow Even. The words eve and even were used both for the evening and the day before a special day. This name was sometimes written All Hallow E'en and later shortened to Halloween.