Illustration of menorah
: a candelabra with seven or nine lights that is used in Jewish worship
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The Menorah and Hanukkah
In English, menorah was originally the name for the seven-branched candelabra used in Jewish worship. The nine-branched Hanukkah candelabra is called hanukkiah in Hebrew, but English speakers came to use menorah for this too. The Hanukkah menorah recalls expulsion by Judah Maccabee of invading forces from the Temple of Jerusalem. Maccabee and his followers sought oil for the temple's menorah so that the sanctuary could be rededicated, but they found only enough oil for a single day. Miraculously, that tiny amount of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply could be obtained. The Hanukkah menorah includes a candle for each day the oil burned, plus the shammes, a "servant candle" that is used to light the others.
Examples of menorah in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By placing menorahs in their windows, Kulbersh explains, allies will show that their home is a safe space.
—
Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 12 Dec. 2023
Many Jewish Angelenos shied away from public displays and celebrations out of fear of antisemitic violence, and several large public menorahs were vandalized or destroyed.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2023
For years, stories circulated about pictures of the Dome of the Rock with a menorah or a Star of David above it.
—Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2024
Open the drawer each night for a new treat and then light the menorah.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
Two great rabbis had a dispute about how to light the menorah.
—Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023
The candles are added from right to left, but lit from left to right on the menorah, thus always starting with the newest light.
—CBS News, 7 Dec. 2023
The menorah was smashed and its pieces strewn around the area.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024
Gionet also has faced police allegations for damaging a menorah displayed outside the Arizona Capitol and for getting in a scuffle with security at a Scottsdale bar.
—The Arizona Republic, 6 Jan. 2024
Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 12 Dec. 2023
Many Jewish Angelenos shied away from public displays and celebrations out of fear of antisemitic violence, and several large public menorahs were vandalized or destroyed.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2023
For years, stories circulated about pictures of the Dome of the Rock with a menorah or a Star of David above it.
—Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2024
Open the drawer each night for a new treat and then light the menorah.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
Two great rabbis had a dispute about how to light the menorah.
—Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023
The candles are added from right to left, but lit from left to right on the menorah, thus always starting with the newest light.
—CBS News, 7 Dec. 2023
The menorah was smashed and its pieces strewn around the area.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024
Gionet also has faced police allegations for damaging a menorah displayed outside the Arizona Capitol and for getting in a scuffle with security at a Scottsdale bar.
—The Arizona Republic, 6 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'menorah.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Hebrew mĕnōrāh candlestick
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined above
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Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
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Dictionary Entries Near menorah
Cite this Entry
“Menorah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/menorah. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
menorah
noun
me·no·rah
mə-ˈnōr-ə,
-ˈnȯr-
: a holder for candles used in Jewish worship
More from Merriam-Webster on menorah
Nglish: Translation of menorah for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about menorah
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