Day of Atonement

American  

noun

Judaism.

1. Yom Kippur.

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Day of Atonement British  

noun

1. another name for Yom Kippur

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Day of Atonement Cultural  

1. An annual day of fasting and prayer among the Israelites, still observed by their descendants, the present-day Jews (see also Jews). It occurs in autumn, and its observance is one of the requirements of the Mosaic law. Jews call this day Yom Kippur.

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Etymology

Origin of Day of Atonement

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The High Holy Days begin with Rosh Hashana — the Jewish New Year — and continue through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which ends at nightfall Oct.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

With each Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, I connected with a growing spirituality brewing within me.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2023

It marks the start of the Jewish High Holidays, a 10-day season that ends with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

They will also fast on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, while also worshiping in synagogues.

From Washington Times • Dec. 2, 2022

I refused to believe that my fate was already written for me, even before the Day of Atonement.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros