halal

American  

[huh-lahl] / həˈlɑl /

adjective

1. 1. relating to or noting meat prepared or animals slaughtered in the manner prescribed by Islamic law.

      a halal butcher.

   2. (of foods, medications, etc.) fit to eat or use according to Islamic law: halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

      halal baked goods;

      halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

2. permissible to have or do under Islamic law.

   halal savings accounts that do not pay interest.

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noun

1. a halal animal or halal meat.

   Halal is sold at my local supermarket.

halal British  

/ hɑːˈlɑːl /

noun

1. meat from animals that have been killed according to Muslim law

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adjective

1. of or relating to such meat

   a halal butcher

verb

1. to kill (animals) in this way

Etymology

Origin of halal

First recorded in 1795–1800; from Arabic ḥalāl (noun) “that which is lawful”

Example Sentences

The U.S. is also pushing for a streamlining of Malaysia’s halal certification system, which has been a key hurdle for U.S. imports in the majority Muslim country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

And the lines at a halal market known for its sesame-topped Afghan bread had disappeared.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

The glow from halal carts bounced off the wet asphalt.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2025

Fred Daibes, a New Jersey property developer, and Wael Hana, the Egyptian-born operator of a halal certification company, were also charged and convicted for their roles.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

I slowly arrange the remaining halal gummy bears in a circle on the roof in front of me, to contain myself, to bring myself down to earth.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali