Shrove Tuesday

American  

[shrohv tooz-dey, -dee, tyooz-] / ˈʃroʊv ˈtuz deɪ, -di, ˈtyuz- /

noun

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

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Shrove Tuesday British  

noun

1. the last day of Shrovetide; Pancake Day

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Usage

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).

Etymology

Origin of Shrove Tuesday

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

Celebrated as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday in other parts of the world, the name Shrove Tuesday derives from the English word meaning to seek forgiveness or be granted absolution.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2024

Folklore says the Olney tradition started in the 15th Century when a harassed housewife, rushing to attend church on Shrove Tuesday, ran to the service with a frying pan still in her hand.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2023

By tradition, Carnival falls on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, when Christians begin fasting for Lent.

From Washington Post • Feb. 21, 2023

Shrove Tuesday — also known as Mardi Gras — calls for classic, buttery pancakes.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2023

“The answer we were looking for is Shrove Tuesday, 1497!”

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein