heshvan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized/religious context)Formal, religious, historical
Quick answer
What does “heshvan” mean?
The second month of the civil year and the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to October–November.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The second month of the civil year and the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to October–November.
A month in the Jewish calendar, also known as Marcheshvan, often associated with the start of the rainy season in Israel and notable for having no major Jewish holidays.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between UK and US English; the term is used identically within Jewish communities worldwide.
Connotations
Carries religious and cultural connotations related to Judaism and the Hebrew calendar.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “heshvan” in a Sentence
[Event] occurs in Heshvan[Date] falls in HeshvanThe month of Heshvan is [adjective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heshvan” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Heshvan rains are crucial for the Israeli water supply.
American English
- We reviewed the Heshvan calendar for scheduling conflicts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except perhaps in context of Jewish holiday scheduling for international teams.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and cultural studies discussing Jewish chronology.
Everyday
Virtually unused in general everyday English outside Jewish communities.
Technical
Used in precise calendrical references, astronomy (lunar cycles), and liturgical planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heshvan”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heshvan”
- Misspelling as 'Heshvan' or 'Heshwan'.
- Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'w'.
- Assuming it corresponds to a fixed Gregorian month.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Heshvan is a month in the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, so its start and end dates shift relative to the Gregorian (solar) calendar each year, typically falling in October and November.
Marcheshvan is the full, traditional name for the month. 'Mar' can mean 'bitter' or 'drop' (as in a drop of rain), often interpreted as 'bitter Heshvan' because it lacks festivals, or referencing the start of the rainy season.
Almost exclusively in contexts related to Jewish religion, culture, or history—for example, when discussing the Hebrew calendar, planning around Jewish holidays, or in historical writings.
It is pronounced HESH-vən, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'v' is pronounced like a 'v' in 'van', not a 'w'.
The second month of the civil year and the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to October–November.
Heshvan is usually formal, religious, historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Heshvan has no festivals, so it's a 'Hush'-van (quiet month).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CYCLE (part of the recurring annual religious calendar); EMPTINESS (associated with a lack of celebrations).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of the month of Heshvan?