menorah
Americannoun
-
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).
-
a candelabrum having nine branches, for use on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
noun
-
a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple and now an emblem of Judaism and the badge of the state of Israel
-
a candelabrum having eight branches and a shammes that is lit during the festival of Hanukkah
Etymology
Origin of menorah
First recorded in 1885–90, menorah is from the Hebrew word mənōrāh literally, lampstand
Explanation
A menorah is a special candleholder for seven or nine candles. Nine-branched menorahs are used during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that falls in the late fall or winter and lasts for eight days and nights. A menorah is an important part of celebrating Hanukkah, also known as "the festival of lights." A seven-branched menorah, which did not use candles but instead had seven oil lamps, is described in the Hebrew Bible. The word menorah comes from a Semitic root meaning "to shine."
Vocabulary lists containing menorah
It's Lit: Hanukkah Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Diary of Anne Frank," Vocabulary from the drama
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Watch Us Rise
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The event ended with the lighting of the menorah - something the crowds gathered for Hannukah last week couldn't do.
From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025
A menorah in the public square was not a breach of neutrality but a sign that the country belonged equally to all.
From Slate • Dec. 19, 2025
But beyond that, the reports are like Christmas trees, or candles on a menorah.
From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025
The Hanukkah festival, which advertised free doughnuts, face painting and grab-n-go menorah kits, was in full swing, with more than 1,000 people in attendance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025
On the other side of the main lobby was the menorah.
From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
