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
For his range of graphic tees and hoodies, Beasley pulled inspiration from his painting of Mardi Gras Indians.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2025
But there is little clarity as to what will happen following Mardi Gras, when the majority of tourists leave.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
At the time, Tulane Stadium was one of the biggest in the country, capable of seating over 80,000 fans, and the city around it was well prepared to host huge events, with the infamous Mardi Gras already drawing tourists in from around the world.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
With its anthemic music, world-famous cuisine, vibrant architecture, and Mardi Gras revelry, New Orleans delivers a visual and thematic backdrop as hearty and flavorful as its famous gumbo.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
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Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2025
But there is little clarity as to what will happen following Mardi Gras, when the majority of tourists leave.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
At the time, Tulane Stadium was one of the biggest in the country, capable of seating over 80,000 fans, and the city around it was well prepared to host huge events, with the infamous Mardi Gras already drawing tourists in from around the world.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
With its anthemic music, world-famous cuisine, vibrant architecture, and Mardi Gras revelry, New Orleans delivers a visual and thematic backdrop as hearty and flavorful as its famous gumbo.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for Mardi Gras
Dictionary Entries Near Mardi Gras
Cite this Entry
“Mardi Gras.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mardi%20Gras. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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.
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