challah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (primarily within specific cultural contexts)Formal to neutral, with specific cultural/religious register.
Quick answer
What does “challah” mean?
A special braided bread, often enriched with eggs, traditionally eaten by Jewish people on the Sabbath and holidays.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A special braided bread, often enriched with eggs, traditionally eaten by Jewish people on the Sabbath and holidays.
Refers more generally to any loaf of this type of bread, regardless of specific occasion. In contemporary usage, it can also denote bread made in this style but not necessarily following all traditional ingredients or religious customs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'challah' is the dominant spelling in both. 'Hallah' is a less common alternative. Pronunciation differences are minimal and follow general AmE/BrE vowel patterns.
Connotations
Identical cultural and religious connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger Jewish population, but remains a low-frequency word in general discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “challah” in a Sentence
bake a challahcover the challahbless the challahbraid the challahserve challahVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “challah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will challah for the community bake-off this weekend.
- They challah every Thursday in preparation for Shabbat.
American English
- She's going to challah for the potluck.
- He challahs using his grandmother's recipe.
adjective
British English
- The challah dough needs to proof for another hour.
- We attended a challah baking workshop.
American English
- The challah recipe calls for six eggs.
- She bought a challah cover at the market.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of bakery, food retail, or catering.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, or culinary history texts.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities or when discussing specific foods. Uncommon in general everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in baking/cooking instructions or religious ritual descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “challah”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “challah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “challah”
- Pronouncing the 'ch' as in 'chair'.
- Using it as a mass noun incorrectly (e.g., 'some challah' is fine, but 'a challah' is the countable form).
- Misspelling as 'challa' or 'hala'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While the iconic form is braided (often with 3 or 6 strands), round challah is common for Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year).
Traditional recipes include eggs, but egg-free versions exist, often termed 'water challah' for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
While it is a bread with deep significance in Jewish tradition, it is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds as a delicious type of bread.
Both are enriched breads. Challah is typically pareve (containing no dairy or meat, using oil), while brioche is rich in butter. Challah also has specific cultural and ritual associations.
A special braided bread, often enriched with eggs, traditionally eaten by Jewish people on the Sabbath and holidays.
Challah is usually formal to neutral, with specific cultural/religious register. in register.
Challah: in British English it is pronounced /ˈxɑːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːlə/ or /ˈxɑːlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take challah (to separate a portion of dough)”
- “Blessing over the challah”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CHALice' for a special cup and 'CHALlah' for a special bread, both used in ceremonial contexts.
Conceptual Metaphor
BREAD IS TRADITION / BREAD IS COMMUNITY
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of traditional challah?