Passover

1 of 2

noun

Pass·​over ˈpas-ˌō-vər How to pronounce Passover (audio)
: 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

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
Noun
This is due to the fact that Passover always begins on the night of a full moon in accordance with the Jewish calendar. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 For Passover from April 22 to April 30, the resort also offers a seder dinner at its oceanfront Azul restaurant. Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Sure, lamb is a great centerpiece for your Passover or Easter dinner, but why save it for special occasions? Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 29 Feb. 2024 The Passover menu is gluten-free (except for the Matzah Brittle). Jessica Swannie, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The Significance Of Lamb at Easter The significance of lamb is connected to the story of Passover, which is still celebrated by Jewish families today. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024 The Last Supper refers to the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples prior to his trial and crucifixion, around the time of the Hebrew Passover. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 21 Feb. 2024 The moon is important in calculating Easter dates because the Christian holy day is closely connected to the Jewish feast of Passover, which is determined by a lunar cycle. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2024 This year, Passover begins on the evening of Monday, April 22, and ends on the evening of Tuesday, April 30. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2024
Verb
Scientists and citizen scientists alike are planning to observe the sun’s most active regions as the moon passes over them using the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope during both eclipses. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Metro residents might remember Aug. 21, 2017, when a total solar eclipse passed over Kansas and Missouri. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2024 The total solar eclipse is set to chart a 115-mile-wide path of totality, passing over portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Mar. 2024 By doing so, organizations avoid the fate of Oscar snubs—the innovation opportunities that got passed over due to a lack of critical engagement. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Ohio viewing sites for 2024 eclipse Many people will tell you: Nothing beats watching an eclipse in the path of totality, when the skies darken and the moon directly passes over the sun. Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024 The Buffalo Bills quarterback by the same name, however, was passed over in favor of Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 One play later, Mahomes threw a go-ahead 16-yard touchdown pass over strong-side linebacker Oren Burks. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2024 Bedard lost the game’s opening face-off to Crosby, then lost contact with the veteran center, who deflected Marcus Pettersson’s fluttering pass over the left shoulder of Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom 15 seconds in. Tim Cronin, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Passover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of Passover was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Passover

pass over

Passover

passport

Cite this Entry

“Passover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Passover. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Passover

1 of 2 noun
Pass·​over ˈpas-ˌō-vər How to pronounce Passover (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on Passover

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