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

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

Jews observe an annual Day of Atonement, which features a process of confession and repentance called teshuvah.

From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2022

Mr. Koufax, for example, famously refused to pitch on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, but he would pitch on the Sabbath, Rabbi Hammerman noted.

From Washington Times • Jul. 19, 2021

Yom Kippur was our Day of Atonement, spent in fasting and prayer.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros