: the Thursday before Easter observed in commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist
Examples of Maundy Thursday in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The traditional handing out of alms is done on Maundy Thursday, the day that marks the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles in the Christian calendar.
—
Simon Perry, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Key News Asian equities had a strong day on light volumes, except the Philippines, which was closed for Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Many Muslims commemorate the Israelites’ liberation by fasting on the Day of Ashura, while Christians reflect upon Passover during Holy Week —from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday — as liberation from spiritual bondage.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Outside the church of Gethsemane, Christians clutching candles march after Mass on Maundy Thursday.
—Ayman Oghanna, NPR, 21 Apr. 2024
The pre-recorded audio message was heard at a traditional Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, in the city of the same name around 130 miles northwest of London.
—Henry Austin, NBC News, 31 Mar. 2024
Charles skipped the Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral this week, a traditional Easter weekend appearance for the monarch, with Camilla attending in his place.
—Conor Murray, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
When Is Maundy Thursday 2024? Maundy Thursday is March 28 in 2024.
—Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 14 Feb. 2024
Every year, the celebration begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts about six weeks before ending on Maundy Thursday.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 17 Jan. 2024
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Simon Perry, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Key News Asian equities had a strong day on light volumes, except the Philippines, which was closed for Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Many Muslims commemorate the Israelites’ liberation by fasting on the Day of Ashura, while Christians reflect upon Passover during Holy Week —from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday — as liberation from spiritual bondage.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Outside the church of Gethsemane, Christians clutching candles march after Mass on Maundy Thursday.
—Ayman Oghanna, NPR, 21 Apr. 2024
The pre-recorded audio message was heard at a traditional Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, in the city of the same name around 130 miles northwest of London.
—Henry Austin, NBC News, 31 Mar. 2024
Charles skipped the Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral this week, a traditional Easter weekend appearance for the monarch, with Camilla attending in his place.
—Conor Murray, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
When Is Maundy Thursday 2024? Maundy Thursday is March 28 in 2024.
—Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 14 Feb. 2024
Every year, the celebration begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts about six weeks before ending on Maundy Thursday.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 17 Jan. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Maundy Thursday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maundy%20Thursday. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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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