shadchan

[ Yiddish, Ashkenazic Hebrew, English shaht-khuhn; Sephardic Hebrew shaht-khahn ]

noun

, Yiddish and Hebrew.

, plural shad·cha·nim [shaht-, khaw, -nim, shaht-, kh, ah-, neem], English shad·chans.

1. shadkhan.

shadchan

/ ˈʃatxən; ʃɑdˈxɑn /

noun

1. a Jewish marriage broker

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadchan¹

from Hebrew shadhkhān, from shiddēkh to arrange a marriage

Example Sentences

In Judaism, a shadchan—whether official or not—has connected partners over the ages.

From The New Yorker

“She’s still recovering from her illness. You know how easily she gets upset and forgets things. And go wash yourself. I wonder that Fayge ever accepted the shadchan’s offer for your hand in marriage. You are so much of a prize you can kiss women without bathing?”

From Literature

The matchmaker, called a shadchan, is necessary because of the strict separation of the sexes.

From Chicago Tribune

The great Shadchan offered him a chair, but nothing else.

From Project Gutenberg

A fool of you!" echoed the Shadchan indignantly, "when I give you a chance of a boot and shoe manufacturer's daughter.

From Project Gutenberg