: the Thursday before Easter observed in commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist
Examples of Maundy Thursday in a Sentence
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On its face, this has felt like an Easter season more in keeping with the downcast mood of Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, followed by the betrayal and arrest of Christ, or Good Friday, a somber day of reflection marking Jesus’ death on the cross.
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, revived the Maundy Thursday ceremonies early in her 70-year reign.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, marking the institution of Holy Communion and the washing of feet, symbolizing humility and service, according to the Presbyterian Church.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Some denominations end the 40-day fasting period on Holy Saturday, the day proceeding Easter Sunday, while others end on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday immediately before Easter Sunday.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 25 Mar. 2026
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, revived the Maundy Thursday ceremonies early in her 70-year reign.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, marking the institution of Holy Communion and the washing of feet, symbolizing humility and service, according to the Presbyterian Church.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Some denominations end the 40-day fasting period on Holy Saturday, the day proceeding Easter Sunday, while others end on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday immediately before Easter Sunday.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for Maundy Thursday
Cite this Entry
“Maundy Thursday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maundy%20Thursday. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Maundy Thursday
noun
Maun·dy Thursday
ˌmȯn-dē- 
ˌmän-
: the Thursday before Easter
Etymology
Middle English maunde "ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter," from early French mandé (same meaning), from Latin mandatum "command"; so called from Jesus' words "A new Commandment I give to you …" in John 13:34 (RSV) after he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper
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