menorah

[muh-nawr-uh, -nohr-uh]

noun

1. 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).

2. a candelabrum having nine branches, for use on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

menorah

/ məˈnɑʊrɔ, mɪˈnɔːrə /

noun

1. a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple and now an emblem of Judaism and the badge of the state of Israel

2. a candelabrum having eight branches and a shammes that is lit during the festival of Hanukkah

menorah

1. A nine-branched candelabrum used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The center candle, or “starter,” is used to light the other eight candles, with one additional candle lit on each subsequent evening of the celebration.

Word History and Origins

Origin of menorah¹

First recorded in 1885–90, menorah is from the Hebrew word mənōrāh literally, lampstand

Word History and Origins

Origin of menorah¹

from Hebrew: candlestick

Example Sentences

There are cuff links, charge cards, a menorah designed by Salvador Dali, keys to various cities, nesting dolls representing figures from the O.J.

From Los Angeles Times

Caruso told The Times that later this year, he plans to resume the Palisades Village annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting.

From Los Angeles Times

Braun made headlines in 2023 when he put out the candles on a Jewish menorah in the Polish parliament with a fire extinguisher following a ceremony for the festival of Hanukkah.

From BBC

And — this is crazy — our menorah was right there on the front porch; it was the first thing you saw when you walked up our red brick stairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Police say they are treating vandalism to a Hannukah menorah as a hate crime.

From BBC

Related Words

• candelabra 
• sconce