Shrove Tuesday

[shrohv tooz-dey, -dee, tyooz-]

noun

1. the last day of Shrovetide, once observed as a time of confession and absolution, later as a season of merrymaking before Lent.

Shrove Tuesday

noun

1. the last day of Shrovetide; Pancake Day

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shrove Tuesday¹

First recorded in 1490–1500

When To Use

What is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday in some Christian traditions.It is the last day of Shrovetide, the three-day period before the beginning of Lent, which is the season of fasting and penitence that precedes Easter. Shrovetide also includes Shrove Sunday and Shrove Monday.Shrove Tuesday is sometimes called Pancake Day due to the tradition of eating pancakes on that day.The day before Ash Wednesday can also be called Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday).