halal

American  

[huh-lahl] / həˈlɑl /

adjective

1. 1. relating to or noting meat prepared or animals slaughtered in the manner prescribed by Islamic law.

      a halal butcher.

   2. (of foods, medications, etc.) fit to eat or use according to Islamic law: halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

      halal baked goods;

      halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

2. permissible to have or do under Islamic law.

   halal savings accounts that do not pay interest.

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noun

1. a halal animal or halal meat.

   Halal is sold at my local supermarket.

halal British  

/ hɑːˈlɑːl /

noun

1. meat from animals that have been killed according to Muslim law

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adjective

1. of or relating to such meat

   a halal butcher

verb

1. to kill (animals) in this way

Etymology

Origin of halal

First recorded in 1795–1800; from Arabic ḥalāl (noun) “that which is lawful”

Explanation

Food that's halal is allowed under the religious laws of Islam. It's especially important for observant Muslims to eat only halal meat that's been prepared in a certain way. The adjective halal can describe non-food items and also allowable or proper behavior. It's not considered halal for a Muslim to eat pork, for example, or to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs. The word halal literally means "lawful" in Arabic, and the specifics of what is and isn't halal is found in the Quran, the main religious text in Islam.

Example Sentences

"This is the right place to ask for help in finding a person to marry," Aisha, using a pseudonym, told AFP inside Northern Halal Marriage online matchmaking office.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery apologised and said it was retraining staff.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2024

We use trusted local and national vendors, our meat is Halal and we are mindful about using eco-friendly packaging.

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2024

Chicken over rice — a sauce-drenched, workweek staple — costs $10 at the Halal Plates, a cart in Lower Manhattan, up from $6 prepandemic.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024

"Leave supper to us. Livia's cooking up a lasagna for you guys. Halal, of course."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda