Ramadan

[ rahm-uh-dahn, rahm-uh-dahn, ram-uh-dan ]

noun

, Islam.

1. the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
2. the festival celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad: observed with strict fasting from dawn till sunset and, often, feasting and festivities after sunset.

Ramadan

/ ˌræməˈdɑːn; ˌræməˈzɑːn /

noun

1. the ninth month of the Muslim year, lasting 30 days, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset
2. the fast itself

Ramadan

1. A holy month in Islam ; the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Devout Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during each day of Ramadan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ramadan¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Arabic ramaḍān, from ramaḍ “dryness, scorchedness,” from ramiḍa “to become intensely hot, be scorched”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ramadan¹

C16: from Arabic, literally: the hot month, from ramad dryness

Example Sentences

Ramadan challenged Muslim fundamentalists and encouraged dialogue between religions, but was accused by some critics of promoting political Islam.

From BBC

It was Ramadan, just like when he had left, only two years before.

From Seattle Times

It was Ramadan, so no one had eaten.

From Seattle Times

There were moments of fusion at home as well, with celebrations of the High Holidays sometimes merging with Ramadan.

From Seattle Times

He also recounted meeting Raisi in Tehran during Ramadan, the holy Muslim fasting month, and heard the president say the Palestinian issue remains the key one of the Muslim world.

From Seattle Times