haram

American  

[huh-rom] / həˈrɒm /

Also haraam

adjective

1. 1. relating to or noting meat not prepared or animals not slaughtered in the manner prescribed by Islamic law.

      haram beef and chicken.

   2. (of foods, medications, etc.) not fit to eat or use according to Islamic law.

      Pork and alcoholic beverages are haram.

2. forbidden to have or do under Islamic law.

   a haram business that sells wine.

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noun

1. a haram animal or haram meat.

2. harem.

haram British  

/ ˈhɑːˌrɑːm /

noun

1. anything that is forbidden by Islamic law

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Etymology

Origin of haram

First recorded in 1795–1805; from Arabic ḥarām “forbidden, unlawful, off-limits,” from ḥarima “to be forbidden”

Explanation

Anything that's haram is forbidden or sinful for an observant Muslim. Islamic law considers both disrespecting one's parents and eating pork to be haram. Activities or actions that harm one's self or other people are generally considered to be haram. Many of these are specifically prohibited in the Quran, including consuming certain food and drink, stealing or cheating to obtain money, and crimes of violence. It's also haram to break a fast in the daytime during Ramadan or eat meat that's not slaughtered according to Islamic law. In Arabic, haram means "forbidden."

Example Sentences

"It's very haram," she said, using the Arabic word for forbidden.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

I’m a Jersey-born Muslim, same as Youssef, and I was wedged in Row N next to an auntie who looked primed to eye-roll any haram punch line.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2025

Roger Othman, a former director of consumer relations for the council, said halal products must not contain haram, or forbidden, ingredients.

From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2023

Or perhaps, more accurately, like many social novelties that the authorities have not sanctioned but that Saudis are increasingly emboldened to try, it is not yet fully not haram.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 24, 2021

"Nothing haram about it. People gotta eat," I replied.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda