Definition

Proper noun A Christian holy day and feast day dedicated to honoring all the saints, known and unknown. It is a day for commemorating all who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven.

Usage

"All Saints' Day" is used as the name of the specific religious observance. It is typically preceded by the preposition "on" when referring to the date. * The church service on All Saints' Day is particularly beautiful. * All Saints' Day is celebrated on November 1st in Western Christianity.

Advanced Usage

• "All Saints": This shorter form can sometimes be used informally or in certain liturgical contexts to refer to the day or the collective group of saints.
  • The collect for All Saints is one of my favorite prayers.
• The eve of All Saints' Day is known as All Hallows' Eve, which is the origin of the modern secular holiday Halloween.

Variants and Related Words

• Allhallows (noun, archaic): An old alternative name for All Saints' Day.
• Solemnity of All Saints (noun): The formal liturgical title for the feast day in some Christian traditions.

Synonyms

• Feast of All Saints (noun phrase): A direct synonym.
• Hallowmas (noun, chiefly historical): An old term for the season or feast.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "All Saints' tide": Refers to the period or season around All Saints' Day.
  • The traditions of All Saints' tide include visiting family graves.

Noun

1. a Christian feast day honoring all the saints; first observed in 835