menorah
Americannoun
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menorahs
plural
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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).
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a candelabrum having nine branches, for use on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
noun
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a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple and now an emblem of Judaism and the badge of the state of Israel
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a candelabrum having eight branches and a shammes that is lit during the festival of Hanukkah
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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
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"The Diary of Anne Frank," Vocabulary from the drama
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Watch Us Rise
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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.
See Examples For:
After the parade of diverse Australians had sparked flames on each arm of the menorah, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Bondi Chabad made a plea for more love and more unity.
From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2025
As a song—“Just a Little Bit of Light”—plays, he lifts a large menorah from his car, fastens it onto the roof, lights it, and dances beside it, out in the street.
From Slate ● Dec. 19, 2025
On Sunday evening, leaders from the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades gathered at the mall to light a towering menorah.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2025
But beyond that, the reports are like Christmas trees, or candles on a menorah.
From Barron's ● Dec. 17, 2025
The backdrop is a row of Christmas trees flanked by a cardboard menorah and a Kwanzaa candle set.
From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein
When the non-Jews of Billings put up their menorahs, they were standing for religious liberty for all.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 10, 2025
She called her pastor, Keith Torney, and asked if the children in Sunday school could draw menorahs and display them in their windows in solidarity with their Jewish neighbors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 10, 2025
A large photo of the pope has joined her office decorations of kippot and menorahs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2024
The lighting of menorahs in city streets and parks has become more prominent in recent years in countries around the world, including in front of public landmarks.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 4, 2023
Christmas trees and menorahs were displayed in the windows of many apartments.
From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser
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.
