iftar

American  

[if-tahr] / ˈɪf tɑr /

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) the meal that Muslims eat after sunset during Ramadan to break the day’s fast.

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iftar British  

/ ˈɪftɑː /

noun

1. the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan

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Etymology

Origin of iftar

First recorded in 1830–35, iftar is from the Arabic word ʾifṭār “the breaking of the fast”

Explanation

Iftar is the second of two meals that fasting Muslims eat each day during Ramadan. Iftar is eaten after sunset. Iftar is a meal eaten after sunset during the month of Ramadan. It's the meal that breaks the daily fast that Muslims observe during this month, and it is often a community affair. Traditional foods include dates — which are generally the very first thing to be eaten after a day of fasting — samosas, different kinds of rice dishes, and many other regional dishes.

Example Sentences

Mamdani has attended multiple Iftar dinners — the evening meal Muslims share to break their daily fast during Ramadan — and shared images of those gatherings on social media.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

At one displacement camp on the outskirts of Beirut, hundreds of people got ready for Iftar - a meal eaten at sunset to break the Ramadan fast - on Tuesday evening.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

The families then retreated to their tents for Iftar, with candles providing light for lack of electricity.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Anas Abu Assab prepares bottles of fresh carrot juice, a staple for Iftar meals, in Jerusalem’s Old City.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2024

She plans to attend the Music City Iftar, an annual community event for Muslims and non-Muslims.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024