Easter
|East-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈiːstər/
🇬🇧
/ˈiːstə/
resurrection festival
Etymology
'Easter' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'Ēastre' or 'Ēostre', where Proto-Germanic '*austrōn' (from PIE root *h₂ews- meaning 'to shine, dawn') referred to the dawn or sunrise.
'Easter' changed from the Old English word 'Ēastre/Ēostre' (a name associated with a spring festival and a goddess recorded by Bede) and eventually became the modern English word 'Easter'.
Initially, it referred to the name of a pagan spring goddess and the associated festival; over time it evolved into the name for the Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the principal Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ; observed on Easter Sunday.
We always visit my grandparents at Easter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
the specific Sunday on which Easter is celebrated (Easter Sunday).
Easter falls on April 20 this year.
Synonyms
Noun 3
the season around Easter (also called Eastertide), the period of several days or weeks associated with Easter.
Many churches hold special services during Easter.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or occurring at Easter (used before nouns, e.g., Easter eggs, Easter service).
We bought some Easter decorations for the table.
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/12 02:55