halloween

IPA/ˌhæləʊˈiːn/
KK[hˌæləwˈin]IPA/ˌhæləʊˈiːn/

halloween — noun

  • halloweensingular
  • halloweensplural

1. a holiday on the evening of October 31, when people wear costumes and children g

1.nounA2
Definition

a holiday on the evening of October 31, when people wear costumes and children go from house to house asking for candy

Example

On Halloween, children wear costumes and go from house to house asking for candy.

collocation: go from house to house / go trick-or-treating

Priya wore a witch costume and her sister wore a ghost costume for Halloween.

Common collocations
  • go trick-or-treating
  • carve a pumpkin
  • dress up as a witch / ghost / vampire
  • Halloween costume
  • Halloween party
  • jack-o'-lantern

Usage Note

Halloween is a proper noun and usually used without an article (e.g., 'on Halloween', not 'on the Halloween'). To refer to a specific year, you can say 'the Halloween of 2023'.

Common Mistakes

I go to Halloween every year.
I celebrate Halloween every year.
Halloween is an event or holiday, not a place you visit.

Word family

  • Hallowe'en
    nounB2
  • trick-or-treating
    nounA2
  • jack-o'-lantern
    nounA2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Halloween (October 31) is a festive evening when children dress in costumes and go trick-or-treating, asking neighbors for candy. All Saints' Day (November 1) is a Christian holiday that honors saints and remembers loved ones who have died; it is quieter and involves church services. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos, November 1–2) is a Mexican tradition that celebrates ancestors with colorful altars, food offerings, and marigold flowers. Halloween focuses on costumes, candy, and playful scares, while the other two have more solemn or family-centered spiritual aspects. In everyday conversation, people say 'Happy Halloween!' but not 'Happy All Saints' Day!' — knowing the difference helps you avoid mixing up these three autumn holidays.

Halloween ↗All Saints' DayDay of the Dead

Common collocations

Nouns

  • Halloween costume
  • Halloween party
  • Halloween night
  • Halloween decorations

Phrases

  • trick-or-treat
  • dress up as [something]
  • carve a pumpkin

Prepositions

  • on Halloween
  • for Halloween
  • at Halloween

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

Halloween comes from 'All Hallows' Eve,' the evening before All Hallows' Day (also called All Saints' Day). 'Hallow' is an old English word for 'holy person' or 'saint.' Over time, 'All Hallows' Eve' was shortened to 'Hallowe'en' and eventually to 'Halloween.'