Shrove Tuesday

noun

ˈshrōv- 

especially Southern ˈsrōv-

: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

Examples of Shrove Tuesday in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When is 2026 Shrove Tuesday date? — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026

When is 2026 Shrove Tuesday date? — Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Feb. 2026

Whether called Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday is celebrated around the world as a last chance to enjoy decadent food and party before the Lenten fast begins. — Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the last day to indulge in sweets and rich foods before Lent begins. — Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English schroftewesday, from schrof- (as in schroftide) + tewesday Tuesday

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Shrove Tuesday

noun

ˈshrōv- 

: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

Etymology

Middle English schroftewesday "Shrove Tuesday," from schrof, from shriven "to shrive, give a penance or pardon to," and tewesday "Tuesday"; shriven, from Old English scrifan "to shrive, prescribe," from Latin scribere "to write" — related to scribe, tuesday see Word History at tuesday