beth

¹ American  

[beys, beyt, bet] / beɪs, beɪt, bɛt /

Also bet

noun

1. the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

2. either of the consonant sounds represented by this letter.

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Beth ² American  

[beth] / bɛθ /

noun

1. a first name, form of Elizabeth.

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beth British  

/ bɛt /

noun

1. the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ב) transliterated as b

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Etymology

Origin of beth

First recorded in 1905–10; from Hebrew bēth literally, “house”; beta

Example Sentences

However, the researchers, led by the study's lead author, Israel Finkelstein, believe the letter "B" is there and it is not a reference to "beth," the Hebrew word for "house," but rather Balak.

From Fox News • May 2, 2019

It culminates in an appearance before a three-judge religious panel known as a beth din, and a trip to a mikvah, the ritual bath.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 15, 2016

According to Joanne Greenaway, a beth din caseworker, the advert was intended to send a strong message that refusal to grant a divorce was unacceptable.

From The Guardian • Nov. 8, 2015

In fact, the word alphabet comes directly from the first two letters of the Phoenician alphabet: aleph and beth.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

If I thought Jockey were come to Town, It wad be for the leve of me; Then wad I put on beth Hat and Goown, Because I’d seem worstsome in his Eye.

From Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. 5 of 6 by D'Urfey, Thomas