What does passover mean?
Passover is the annual Jewish festival that commemorates the Exodus and Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is observed in the spring with ritual meals, readings, and the seder. The festival’s name comes from the biblical account in which God “passed over” the Israelites’ households. As a verb, pass over means to omit, ignore, or disregard something, as when a speaker skips a topic; it can also mean to cross or go beyond something. In ordinary writing, the religious festival is usually capitalized as Passover, while the verb is generally written as two words, pass over. The expression carries strong religious and historical associations, so it is especially memorable even when used figuratively to describe a deliberate omission or an event that passes someone by. It remains a useful word because it links everyday usage with a specifically Jewish historical memory.
The annual Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus and Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt.
"They traveled to their grandparents’ home for Passover."
Usually capitalized and treated as a proper noun.
To omit or disregard something, or to go across or beyond it.
"Let us not pass over any safety instructions before the experiment begins."
Usually written as two words, pass over.
The plural is uncommon; it is used when referring to separate observances of the festival.
"Those were two memorable Passovers in the family’s history."
Its name recalls the biblical night when God “passed over” the Israelites’ households in Egypt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does passover come from?
The name comes from Hebrew פֶּסַח (pesaḥ), meaning “passing over.” It is associated with the Exodus narrative in which God passed over the Israelites’ marked houses while delivering their firstborn sons from the tenth plague. English has long used Passover alongside alternative forms such as Pesach and Pessach, all derived from the same Hebrew name.
How passover is actually used
The religious festival is usually capitalized as Passover and treated as a proper noun. The verb is generally written as two words, pass over.