Easter Weekend Vocabulary for English Learners to Master

Easter is celebrated in many English-speaking countries, and the long weekend comes with a lot of specific words and phrases that English learners might not recognize right away. Understanding this Easter weekend vocabulary helps you join in conversations, understand news or events, and enjoy the cultural side of the holiday.

This guide covers the most common words and expressions used during the Easter long weekend so you can sound more fluent and feel more connected.

1. Easter Weekend Vocabulary: Good Friday

This is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It’s a public holiday in many countries and marks the day Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Many people attend church services, and some observe it as a day of quiet reflection.

Example sentence: “We’re off work for Good Friday, so it’s a long weekend.”

2. Easter Weekend Vocabulary: Easter Saturday

Also known in some places as Holy Saturday. It’s the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It’s usually a quiet day with preparation for celebrations like Easter meals or egg hunts. Some churches hold evening services.

Example sentence: “We’re having a family lunch on Easter Saturday.”

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3. Easter Weekend Vocabulary: Easter Sunday

This is the main day of Easter. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus in Christian belief. Many people attend church, enjoy family meals, and participate in activities like egg hunts or giving gifts. It is considered a joyful day.

Example sentence: “We always have a big roast dinner on Easter Sunday.”

4. Easter Weekend Vocabulary: Easter Monday

The Monday after Easter Sunday. In many countries, this is also a public holiday. It’s often a relaxing day for families, with picnics, travel, or simply staying home.

Example sentence: “Since it’s Easter Monday, most businesses will be closed.”

5. The Easter Long Weekend

This term refers to the four-day weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday. It’s a time when many people take short trips or spend time with family.

Example sentence: “Do you have any plans for the Easter long weekend?”

6. Public Holiday

Many Easter-related days are public holidays. This means government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed, and employees typically have time off work.

Example sentence: “Good Friday is a public holiday, so the office will be closed.”

7. Easter Eggs

These can be chocolate eggs or hand-decorated real eggs. They are symbols of new life and spring, and are often given as gifts or hidden for children to find.

Example sentence: “We bought chocolate Easter eggs for the kids.”

8. Easter Egg Hunt

A traditional children’s game where adults hide Easter eggs, and children search for them. It’s often done in parks, homes, or gardens and is a highlight of Easter Sunday for many families.

Example sentence: “We’re organising an Easter egg hunt for Sunday morning.”

9. Hot Cross Buns

A spiced sweet bun made with raisins or currants, marked with a white cross on top. These are traditionally eaten on Good Friday in many English-speaking cultures and are sold in bakeries and supermarkets during Easter.

Example sentence: “Would you like a hot cross bun with your tea?”

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10. Lent

The 40-day period before Easter, starting on Ash Wednesday. Many people choose to fast or give up certain foods or habits as a spiritual practice during Lent. It ends on Holy Saturday.

Example sentence: “During Lent, I decided to stop eating sweets.”

11. Holy Week

The week leading up to Easter Sunday. It starts with Palm Sunday and includes Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. It’s an important time for many Christians around the world.

Example sentence: “Holy Week is a meaningful time for many people.”

12. Resurrection

This word refers to Jesus Christ rising from the dead, which is the foundation of Easter celebrations in Christianity. The resurrection is seen as a symbol of hope and renewal.

Example sentence: “Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ.”

13. Church Service

A gathering for worship that many attend on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. Services may include special music, prayers, and readings related to the Easter story.

Example sentence: “We’re going to the Easter Sunday church service at 10am.”

Final Thoughts on Easter Weekend Vocabulary

Learning Easter weekend vocabulary not only improves your English, but also helps you take part in important cultural conversations. These words and phrases come up in workplaces, schools, shops, and casual chats — especially around the holiday season.

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