passion play

noun

variants often Passion play
: a dramatic representation of the scenes connected with the passion and crucifixion of Jesus

Examples of passion play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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During Muharram a community group will often stage a passion play (taʿziyyah) that reenacts the events of Ḥusayn’s martyrdom. Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026 However violent Gandhi’s quest for nonviolence becomes, the production evolves into impossible radiance, turning the opera into something resembling a passion play. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026 This time, the Antetokounmpo situation is playing out as a passion play of passive aggression. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 The author of A Thousand Ships and Stone Blind reimagines the Greek myth of Medea as a passion play, rife with domestic fury and murder most foul. Hamilton Cain, Time, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passion play

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passion play was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Passion play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passion%20play. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

passion play

noun
often capitalized 1st P
: a play representing scenes connected with Jesus' suffering and crucifixion

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