yarmulke

or yar·mel·ke, yar·mul·ka

[ yah-muh-kuh, -muhl-, yahr- ]

noun

, Judaism.

1. a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jewish males, also worn by most Conservative and some Reform Jewish males during prayer.

yarmulke

/ ˈjɑːməlkə /

noun

1. Judaism a skullcap worn by orthodox male Jews at all times, and by others during prayer

yarmulke

1. In Orthodox Judaism and Conservative Judaism , a skullcap worn by men as a sign of reverence while praying to God or talking about him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yarmulke¹

First recorded in 1845–50 as jarmolka; from Yiddish yarmlke, from Polish jarmułka, jamułka (earlier jałmurka, ) or Ukrainian yarmúlka, from Turkic; compare Turkish yağmurluk “rain gear,” equivalent to yağmur “rain” + -luk noun suffix; or from Medieval Latin almutia, armutia, aumucia, almucia “(furred) hood, hooded cape”; almuce ( def ), amice ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of yarmulke¹

from Yiddish, from Ukrainian and Polish yarmulka cap, probably from Turkish yaǧmurluk raincoat, from yaǧmur rain

Example Sentences

On Feb. 15, 2023, he drove to the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, where he spotted a Jewish man wearing a yarmulke — the Mr. H who spoke at Monday’s hearing.

From Los Angeles Times

The man was leaving religious services and also wearing a yarmulke.

From Los Angeles Times

"I feel scared wearing my yarmulke," he said.

From BBC

As students passed by, some took photos of Blair — who wore a yarmulke and a Star of David necklace — to express support.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s special for me when a kid in a yarmulke comes up to me and is pretty psyched.

From Los Angeles Times