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Holy Week

American  

noun

  1. the week preceding Easter Sunday.


Holy Week British  

noun

  1. the week preceding Easter Sunday

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Holy Week

1700–10; translation of Italian settimana santa

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In March, Leo XIV spoke out against those who advocate war in a speech marking the start of Holy Week, in the shadow of the ongoing Iran War.

From Salon Apr. 14, 2026

"I think that the high fuel prices that I have to pay to be here are just part of my sacrifices this Holy Week," Margate told AFP.

From Barron's Apr. 3, 2026

However, he welcomed Israeli government efforts to address the situation and facilitate other Holy Week activities.

From BBC Mar. 29, 2026

Holy Week was no holiday: The grim observances of Good Friday led solemnly though with mounting joy toward the celebration of the Resurrection and the most important observance on the Christian calendar.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 26, 2026

During Holy Week all pictures and statues in church were shrouded by purple silk drapes.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

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