Passover

1 of 2

noun

Pass·​over ˈpas-ˌō-vər 

: a Jewish holiday beginning on the 14th of Nisan and commemorating the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt

pass over

2 of 2

verb

passed over; passing over; passes over

transitive verb

1

: to ignore in passing

2

: to pay no attention to the claims of : disregard

Synonyms of Passover

Verb

• ignore
• forget

Examples of Passover in a Sentence

Verb

you seem to have passed over an important e-mail notice

I'd be willing to pass over this latest episode of tardiness if there hadn't been so many before.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Since being elected to the board in 2021, Foley has been passed over for the top position multiple times. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

Jennings completed more passes over 15 air yards (one) than opposing quarterback Jalen Hurts did all game (0-for-5). —Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

For years, Better Call Saul fans watched as Rhea Seehorn was passed over despite her astonishing portrayal of Kim Wexler on the beloved drama. —Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026

After the Rams defense came up with a stop on fourth down at midfield on Carolina's opening drive, Stafford quickly moved the offense downfield and found Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown pass over the middle for a 7-0 lead. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the exemption of the Israelites from the slaughter of the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 12:23–27)

First Known Use

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Passover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• pullover

Kids Definition

Passover

1 of 2 noun

Pass·​over ˈpas-ˌō-vər 

: a Jewish holiday celebrated in March or April in honor of the freeing of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt

pass over

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)pas-ˈō-vər

1

: to ignore in passing

2

: to pay no attention to

Etymology

Noun

so called because in Exodus 12:23–27 the Lord passes over the homes of the Israelites in killing the firstborn in Egypt