halal
Americanadjective
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relating to or noting meat prepared or animals slaughtered in the manner prescribed by Islamic law.
a halal butcher.
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(of foods, medications, etc.) fit to eat or use according to Islamic law: halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
halal baked goods;
halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
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permissible to have or do under Islamic law.
halal savings accounts that do not pay interest.
noun
noun
adjective
verb
Etymology
Origin of halal
First recorded in 1795–1800; from Arabic ḥalāl (noun) “that which is lawful”
Explanation
Food that's halal is allowed under the religious laws of Islam. It's especially important for observant Muslims to eat only halal meat that's been prepared in a certain way. The adjective halal can describe non-food items and also allowable or proper behavior. It's not considered halal for a Muslim to eat pork, for example, or to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs. The word halal literally means "lawful" in Arabic, and the specifics of what is and isn't halal is found in the Quran, the main religious text in Islam.
Vocabulary lists containing halal
World Religions
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National Spelling Bee '14: Prelims Round 2
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Words Relating to Islam
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This is the right place to ask for help in finding a person to marry," Aisha, using a pseudonym, told AFP inside Northern Halal Marriage online matchmaking office.
From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026
Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard chicken from Miah's warehouse in Bessemer Road, Cardiff was falsely sold as Halal meat to restaurants and takeaways.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025
We use trusted local and national vendors, our meat is Halal and we are mindful about using eco-friendly packaging.
From Salon • Aug. 29, 2024
Like thousands of the city’s mobile food vendors, Mr. Mousa cannot get a permit for his cart, the Halal Plates.
From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024
"Leave supper to us. Livia's cooking up a lasagna for you guys. Halal, of course."
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
