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

On its face, this has felt like an Easter season more in keeping with the downcast mood of Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, followed by the betrayal and arrest of Christ, or Good Friday, a somber day of reflection marking Jesus’ death on the cross. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, revived the Maundy Thursday ceremonies early in her 70-year reign. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026

Holy Week precedes Easter and includes observances like Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Mar. 2026

Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, marking the institution of Holy Communion and the washing of feet, symbolizing humility and service, according to the Presbyterian Church. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

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
• gramineae

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