rebbe
Americannoun
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a teacher in a Jewish school.
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(often initial capital letter) a title of respect for the leader of a Hasidic group.
noun
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the usually dynastic leader of a Chassidic sect
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an individual's chosen spiritual mentor
Etymology
Origin of Rebbe
Yiddish, from Hebrew rabbī rabbi
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.
“My doctoral thesis happens to be on one of the ideational foundations of American society, the rebbe of the Founding Fathers”—John Locke.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
The Sacred Tribe’s members are happy to have their rebbe, or spiritual leader, back in front of the congregation.
From Washington Times • Dec. 14, 2022
The trouble began when a car driven by a Hasidic Jew, part of the entourage of the Lubavitcher grand rebbe, Menachem M. Schneerson, struck and killed Gavin Cato, a Black 7-year-old.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2020
Scholars call it the “Yoda effect” — the wizened Muppet was an old rebbe, teaching the ancient wisdom.
From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2018
Verse after verse I chanted to the monotonous tune taught by Reb' Lebe, rocking to the rhythm of the chant, just like the rebbe.
From The Promised Land by Antin, Mary
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.
