menorah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency / C2Formal, Religious, Academic, Cultural
Quick answer
What does “menorah” mean?
A sacred seven-branched or eight-branched candelabrum used in Jewish worship, particularly associated with Hanukkah.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sacred seven-branched or eight-branched candelabrum used in Jewish worship, particularly associated with Hanukkah.
Any candelabrum with a similar branched form, sometimes used in a secular decorative context, though this usage is rarer and often evokes the original religious object. It is a central cultural and religious symbol of Judaism, especially of the Hanukkah holiday.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical cultural and religious connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Frequency is similar in both varieties, tied to the size and visibility of Jewish communities and discussions of Hanukkah in media.
Grammar
How to Use “menorah” in a Sentence
The family lights the menorah.The menorah stands on the windowsill.The design of the menorah is traditional.They placed a candle in the menorah.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts like manufacturing of religious artefacts, cultural heritage tourism.
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, anthropology, and art history contexts discussing Jewish traditions.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities, especially around Hanukkah. Also in general cultural discussions about holidays.
Technical
Specific in Judaic studies; precise terminology distinguishes between seven-branched (Temple) and nine-branched (Hanukkah) menorahs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “menorah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “menorah”
- Misspelling as 'menora' (missing the 'h').
- Using 'menorah' to refer to any multi-branched candlestick without Jewish context, which can be seen as culturally appropriative or inaccurate.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'o' as in 'more' (/məˈnɔːrə/ is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'menorah' can refer to any Jewish ritual candelabrum, most famously the seven-branched one from the ancient Temple. A 'hanukkiah' is specifically the nine-branched menorah used during Hanukkah, with eight branches for the eight nights and a ninth branch (the shamash) used to light the others.
The Hanukkah menorah is lit on each of the eight nights of the Hanukkah festival, which usually falls in December. One additional candle is lit each night.
While anyone can own a candelabrum, the menorah is a specific religious and cultural symbol of Judaism. Owning or displaying one without understanding or respect for its significance can be seen as inappropriate cultural appropriation. It is primarily an item of Jewish religious practice and identity.
Yes, the seven-branched Temple menorah is one of the oldest and most widely recognised symbols of the Jewish people and is the official emblem of the modern State of Israel, featured on its national coat of arms.
A sacred seven-branched or eight-branched candelabrum used in Jewish worship, particularly associated with Hanukkah.
Menorah is usually formal, religious, academic, cultural in register.
Menorah: in British English it is pronounced /məˈnɔːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈnɔrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: MENORAH lights up the NIGHT of dedication (Hanukkah means 'dedication'). It has many arms for the candles.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT AS MIRACLE / FAITH; BRANCHES AS A FAMILY OR COMMUNITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern use of the term 'menorah'?