Ramadan

[ rahm-uh-dahn, rahm-uh-dahn, ram-uh-dan ]

noun

, Islam.

1. the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
2. the festival celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad: observed with strict fasting from dawn till sunset and, often, feasting and festivities after sunset.

Ramadan

/ ˌræməˈzɑːn; ˌræməˈdɑːn /

noun

1. the ninth month of the Muslim year, lasting 30 days, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset
2. the fast itself

Ramadan

1. A holy month in Islam ; the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Devout Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during each day of Ramadan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ramadan¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Arabic ramaḍān, from ramaḍ “dryness, scorchedness,” from ramiḍa “to become intensely hot, be scorched”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ramadan¹

C16: from Arabic, literally: the hot month, from ramad dryness

Example Sentences

When the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began, in late June, Lawand was allowed to leave the prison.

From The Daily Beast

Sheikh Raad al-Khafaji had invited me to break the Ramadan fast in the headquarters of his recruiting operation.

From The Daily Beast

Since this hearing was taking place during Ramadan, many of the Muslims had been fasting since sunrise.

From The Daily Beast

Muslims observe a month-long day fast for Ramadan and Jews go a full day for the High Holy Day, Yom Kippur.

From The Daily Beast

When Ramadan fasting began, the militants bombed the gas and electricity lines to keep people from cooking.

From The Daily Beast

The day after his arrival chanced to be the last of the great Mohammedan feast of the Ramadan.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the month of Ramadan, the great fast, and any one who failed to keep it strictly was punishable by death.

From Project Gutenberg

Early in Ramadan he fell sick, and soon became dangerously ill.

From Project Gutenberg

In Annam the Ramadan lasts only three days, though the priests observe the fast for the full prescribed month.

From Project Gutenberg

The weather was hot, and our people suffering from thirst, as Ramadan had that day commenced.

From Project Gutenberg