Muharram
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What is Muharram? Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It’s also spelled Moharram. It is one of the months of the Islamic calendar that Muslims consider sacred. The first day of Muharram is the first day of the Islamic New Year. The tenth day of Muharram is Ashura, which is an important day for both Sunni and Shiʿite Muslims.
Etymology
Origin of Muharram
First recorded in 1605–15; from Arabic muḥarram “forbidden,” from ḥarama “to prohibit, deny”; see also harem ( def. )
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.
The arrest of Muharram, who has not yet commented, was made possible thanks to a series of intelligence-led operations, the agency said.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
The mourning over their deaths reaches to its peak on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram.
From Washington Times • Jul. 27, 2023
As Shiites, they were observing Muharram, to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
From New York Times • Aug. 15, 2022
Sunday’s procession marked the eighth day of Muharram, two days before its peak on the day of Ashura.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2022
Carrying the horse-shoe at the Muharram festival 252 19.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India—Volume I (of IV) by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
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.
