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

An historic Shrove Tuesday ball game in Warwickshire has been held for the 824th time.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024

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

Mardi Gras is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, a period of reflection and abstinence on the Catholic calendar.

From Reuters • Jul. 20, 2022

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

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