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• Lenten
  Lenten

  adjective

  of, relating to, or suitable for Lent.
• lenten
  lenten

  adjective

  (often capital) of or relating to Lent

Lenten

American  

[len-tn] / ˈlɛn tn /

Or lenten

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suitable for Lent.

2. suggesting Lent, as in austerity, frugality, or rigorousness; meager.

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lenten British  

/ ˈlɛntən /

adjective

1. (often capital) of or relating to Lent

2. archaic spare, plain, or meagre

   lenten fare

3. archaic cold, austere, or sombre

   a lenten lover

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Etymology

Origin of Lenten

First recorded before 900; Middle English lente(n) “spring, springtime, Lent,” noun use of Old English noun and adjective lengten, læncgten, lencten “spring, springtime, Lent; of springtime, Lenten”; later taken as an adjective ending in -en; see origin at Lent, -en ²

Example Sentences

In the seventh century, the Catholic Church enforced strict Lenten rules, prohibiting the consumption of all meat, dairy, and eggs throughout the fasting season.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

There’s something valuable in the Christian practice of letting people determine their Lenten sacrifices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Fasting and avoiding meat could hamper some Valentine’s plans, but religious leaders told The Times that parishioners can still celebrate the day without breaking their Lenten obligations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

He extended the ritual after loved ones recovered from serious illnesses, one after another, turning him into a village celebrity as the “Christ” in the Lenten reenactment of the Way of the Cross.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 6, 2023

My faith was buttressed by a book by Jacques Maritain rather than by the experience of worship at a Lenten service with classmates or serving at some old lady’s funeral.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez