Yom Kippur

noun

Yom Kip·​pur ˌyōm-ki-ˈpu̇r 

ˌyȯm-,

ˌyäm- 

-ˈki-pər,

-(ˌ)pu̇r

: a Jewish holiday observed with fasting and prayer on the 10th day of Tishri in accordance with the rites described in Leviticus 16

called also Day of Atonement

Examples of Yom Kippur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scalise’s schedule shows the House will be in session on Sept. 29 and 30 ahead of a recess for those who observe the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024

As Jews celebrate Yom Kippur:Here's a look at their long history in Arizona How is Hanukkah celebrated? —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 3 Dec. 2024

During a service on the holiday Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, the Torah scrolls were removed from the ark and held by several members. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2024

Judaism teaches that participating in war in certain circumstances is a commandment, on par with observing Yom Kippur, keeping Shabbat or kosher and any other Biblical commandment. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew yōm kippūr, literally, day of atonement

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Yom Kippur

noun

Yom Kip·​pur ˌyōm-ki-ˈpu̇r  ˌyȯm- 

ˌyäm-,

-ˈkip-ər

: a Jewish holiday observed in September or October with fasting and prayer as ways of making up for sins