nikkud

[ nee-kood ]

noun

, plural nik·ku·dim [nee-koo-, deem].

1. any of the combinations of dots and lines sometimes placed above or below Hebrew consonant symbols to indicate the pronunciation of vowels accompanying and usually following the consonants; vowel point.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nikkud¹

From the Hebrew word niqqūdh pointing, vowelling

Example Sentences

Even for old-timers, correct grammar and pronunciation can be a matter of dispute or guesswork since Hebrew is mostly written without “nikkud,” or vowel signs.

From New York Times