Shrovetide

noun

Shrove·​tide ˈshrōv-ˌtīd How to pronounce Shrovetide (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈsrōv-
: the period usually of three days immediately preceding Ash Wednesday

Examples of Shrovetide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Royal Shrovetide Football is believed to have been played annually in Ashbourne since 1667. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2024 Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka was inspired by his memories of Russian Shrovetide fairs, in all their color and excitement. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English schroftide, from schrof- (from shriven to shrive) + tide

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Shrovetide was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near Shrovetide

Cite this Entry

“Shrovetide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shrovetide. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Shrovetide

noun
Shrove·​tide ˈshrōv-ˌtīd How to pronounce Shrovetide (audio)
: the three days just before Ash Wednesday
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