menorah

[ muh-nawr-uh, -nohr-uh ]

noun

1. a candelabrum having seven branches (as used in the Biblical tabernacle or the Temple in Jerusalem), or any number of branches (as used in modern synagogues).
2. a candelabrum having nine branches, for use on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

menorah

/ məˈnɑʊrɔ; mɪˈnɔːrə /

noun

1. a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple and now an emblem of Judaism and the badge of the state of Israel
2. a candelabrum having eight branches and a shammes that is lit during the festival of Hanukkah

menorah

1. A nine-branched candelabrum used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah . The center candle, or “starter,” is used to light the other eight candles, with one additional candle lit on each subsequent evening of the celebration.

Word History and Origins

Origin of menorah¹

First recorded in 1885–90, menorah is from the Hebrew word mənōrāh literally, lampstand

Word History and Origins

Origin of menorah¹

from Hebrew: candlestick

Example Sentences

She also displays a beaded menorah in the shape of a lion that was given to her during a trip to South Africa.

From Los Angeles Times

Friday night was really nice because she convinced her mom to let me watch while she lit the menorah for the family.

From Literature

Its large Hanukkah celebrations have become an annual tradition across the United States and elsewhere, complete with giant menorahs paraded on car rooftops and displayed in other public settings.

From Seattle Times

After the hearing, he said that cease-fire resolutions are creating a hostile environment and encouraging acts of antisemitism, such as the destruction of a large menorah by Oakland’s Lake Merritt last month.

From Seattle Times

Many Jewish Angelenos shied away from public displays and celebrations out of fear of antisemitic violence, and several large public menorahs were vandalized or destroyed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• candelabra
• sconce