Easter

[ ee-ster ]

noun

1. an annual Christian festival in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox, as calculated according to tables based in Western churches on the Gregorian calendar and in Orthodox churches on the Julian calendar.
2. Also called Easter Sunday. the day on which this festival is celebrated.
3. the Easter season; the week following Easter.

Easter

/ ˈiːstə /

noun

1. the most important festival of the Christian Church, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ: falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox
2. Also calledEaster SundayEaster Day the day on which this festival is celebrated
3. the period between Good Friday and Easter Monday

Easter

1. An important religious festival among Christians (see also Christian ); it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus after his Crucifixion . Easter is celebrated on a Sunday in spring, and the season of Easter, a time of rejoicing, continues for several weeks. The penitential season of Lent is a time of preparation for Easter.

Other Words From

• post-Eas·ter adjective
• pre-Eas·ter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Easter¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English ester, Old English ēastre; cognate with German Ostern; originally the name of a goddess and her festival; akin to east

Word History and Origins

Origin of Easter¹

Old English ēastre, after a Germanic goddess Eostre; related to Old High German ōstarūn Easter, Old Norse austr to the east , Old Slavonic ustru like summer

Example Sentences

A second set is scheduled to launch around the Easter season in April 2025 with portrayals of Francis of Assisi, Thomas Becket, Mary Magdalene and Moses the Black.

From Los Angeles Times

But what made Hydra unique was not only its monopoly but also its distribution system, which revolved around stashing gear in out-of-the-way hiding spots like a coke-dealing Easter Bunny — or Puff-Puff.

From Salon

The Scots were dominant and deserving of their 4-0 victory at Easter Road, where they will return next month to face old foes Finland in their Euro 2025 play-off final first leg.

From BBC

Martinez Losa thinks that "with the players we have and the preparation we do", his side will not taste defeat on Tuesday at Easter Road.

From BBC

I mean, people forget when he said, ‘Oh, it's going to be over by Easter.’

From Salon