Mardi Gras

noun

Mar·​di Gras ˈmär-dē-ˌgrä 

 in New Orleans commonly  -ˌgrȯ

1

a

: Shrove Tuesday often observed (as in New Orleans) with parades and festivities

b

: a carnival period climaxing on Shrove Tuesday

2

: a festive occasion resembling a pre-Lenten Mardi Gras

Examples of Mardi Gras in a Sentence

We're going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

It was a Mardi Gras to remember!

Recent Examples on the Web

The city promises a celebration that combines the thrill of a football championship with the spirit of Mardi Gras season, and the editors of Forbes Travel Guide have put together a comprehensive look at where to eat, drink, stay and party during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. —Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

The same goes for popular holiday destinations and major events—think Christmas in Hawai‘i, New Year’s Eve in New York City, or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. —Deb Hopewell, AFAR Media, 15 Jan. 2025

During Mardi Gras last February, videos showed thousands of steel cartridges lining Tulane University frat houses. —Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025

With Valentine’s Day (and Mardi Gras) around the corner, there are still plenty of sweet and simple ways to dress up your home, from floral arrangements to budget-friendly decor. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, fat Tuesday

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

Mardi Gras

noun

Mar·​di Gras ˈmärd-ē-ˌgrä 

: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday often observed with parades and merrymaking

Etymology

French, literally "fat Tuesday"

Word Origin

The Christian period of fasting known as Lent begins every year on Ash Wednesday. The day before Lent begins is a time of celebration and feasting in many places. One of the original reasons for such feasting was probably to use up the last supplies of foods, such as meat and fat, which were not eaten during Lent. The eating of such foods may be why the day became known in France as Mardi Gras, which means "fat Tuesday." It is also possible that the name comes from a former custom of parading a fattened ox through Paris on this day.