Definition

Proper noun A Christian festival period beginning on Whitsunday (Pentecost). Traditionally, it refers to the week starting with Whitsunday, with particular emphasis on the first three days (Whitsunday, Whit Monday, and Whit Tuesday). It is a celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

Usage

Whitsuntide is used as a proper noun to name this specific liturgical season. It is often associated with church services, festivities, and, in some traditions, holidays and communal gatherings.

Examples: * The village fair is always held during Whitsuntide. * Many churches hold special baptisms at Whitsuntide. * The schools were closed for the Whitsuntide break.

Advanced Usage

• "At Whitsuntide": This prepositional phrase is used to indicate something happening during this festival period.
  • The choir performs a special cantata at Whitsuntide.

Variants and Related Words

• Whitsun (noun): A common shortened form for Whitsuntide.
  • The Whitsun holidays.
• Pentecost (noun): The specific Sunday that begins Whitsuntide, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit.
• Whit Sunday (noun): Another name for Pentecost.
• Whit Monday and Whit Tuesday (nouns): The days immediately following Whitsunday, part of the Whitsuntide observance.

Synonyms

• Pentecost (specifically for the initial Sunday)
• Whitsun

Notes on Meaning

While the core meaning refers to the week beginning with Pentecost, in modern common usage, "Whitsuntide" often simply denotes the holiday period around Whit Sunday and Whit Monday, especially in the context of public holidays and secular celebrations.

Noun

1. Christian holiday; the week beginning on Whitsunday (especially the first 3 days)