Maundy Thursday

noun

Maun·​dy Thursday ˈmȯn-dē- 

ˈmän-

: the Thursday before Easter observed in commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist

Examples of Maundy Thursday in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

See fasting rules Although Lent officially ended with Holy Thursday — also known as Maundy Thursday — many continue to refrain from consuming flesh meat on Good Friday. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

When Is Maundy Thursday 2025? Maundy Thursday is April 17 in 2025. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 19 Apr. 2025

While the Easter holiday often involves eggs, bunnies and pastels, this holiday bears a deeper meaning with Holy Week days like Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Apr. 2025

Holy Thursday is often used interchangeably with Maundy Thursday, as the word comes from a phrase spoken at the Last Supper, which Holy Thursday commemorates. —Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maunde ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday, from Anglo-French mandet, from Latin mandatum command; from Jesus' words in John 13:34 — more at mandate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Maundy Thursday

• andromache
• bioassay
• cabriolet
• cercariae
• communique
• companionway
• compositae
• decussate
• examinee
• fabaceae
• glyphosate
• microarray

Kids Definition

Maundy Thursday

noun

Maun·​dy Thursday ˌmȯn-dē- 

ˌmän-

: the Thursday before Easter

Etymology

Middle English maunde "ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter," from early French mandé (same meaning), from Latin mandatum "command"; so called from Jesus' words "A new Commandment I give to you …" in John 13:34 (RSV) after he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper