lent

1 of 2

past tense and past participle of lend

Lent

2 of 2

noun

ˈlent 

: the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting

Examples of lent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The most recognizable are Semana Santa, or Holy Week, processions during the final week of Lent where brotherhoods and robed penitents parade ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through cities, towns and villages alongside marching bands. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

For example, the United Kingdom celebrates Mother's Day on Mothering Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent. — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Apr. 2026

The festival was a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, happening annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent. — Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 24 Apr. 2026

The restrictions subdued Lent, Passover and Ramadan celebrations for many in some of the holiest sites for adherents of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lente springtime, Lent, from Old English lencten; akin to Old High German lenzin spring

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lent

• Jack-a-Lent

Rhymes for lent

• bent
• blent
• cent
• ent
• fent
• meant
• pent
• rent
• rente
• scent
• sent
• spent

Kids Definition

Lent

noun

ˈlent 

: a period of fasting and regret for one's sins that is observed on the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter by many churches

Lenten

ˈlent-ᵊn

adjective