Ash Wednesday

noun

: the first day of Lent

Examples of Ash Wednesday in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day where Catholics are obliged to fast and stay abstinent throughout the day until midnight. — Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026 Other examples include Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 Held annually in the days before Ash Wednesday, Rio Carnival is the biggest carnival in the world. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 The six-tracker follows last month’s Days of Ash (which was released on Ash Wednesday) and features a new collaboration with Brian Eno. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Ash Wednesday

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ash Wednesday was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Ashurbanipal
Ash Wednesday
ashy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ash Wednesday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ash%20Wednesday. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Ash Wednesday

noun
: the first day of Lent

More from Merriam-Webster on Ash Wednesday

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Ash Wednesday

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