seder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Religious
Quick answer
What does “seder” mean?
A Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner held on the first night (or first two nights) of Passover, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner held on the first night (or first two nights) of Passover, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
The specific order of the Passover meal as prescribed in the Haggadah, involving symbolic foods, prayers, readings, and songs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The event may be described with slightly different contextual phrasing.
Connotations
Both convey cultural/religious specificity. It is not an assimilated English word; it retains its identity as a loanword from Hebrew.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively in Jewish cultural and religious contexts or general discussions of religion.
Grammar
How to Use “seder” in a Sentence
[Subject] holds/attends/hosts a Seder.The Seder [verb: takes place, involves, follows].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of holiday closures or greetings (e.g., 'offices close for the first night of the Seder').
Academic
Used in religious, historical, cultural, or anthropological studies discussing Judaism and Passover traditions.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities and by others familiar with the holiday. Not common in general casual conversation.
Technical
Specifically religious/liturgical term within Judaism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seder”
- Using lowercase ('seder' instead of 'Seder').
- Using as a countable noun for any formal dinner (e.g., 'a corporate seder').
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsiːdər/ (like 'seed').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is typically capitalized as it is the name of a specific ritual, similar to other religious ceremony names.
Yes, it is common for hosts to invite guests of other faiths to share the meal and learn about the tradition, though the ritual itself is distinctly Jewish.
Passover (Pesach) is the eight-day festival. The Seder is the specific ceremonial meal held at the beginning of Passover.
In the Jewish diaspora (outside Israel), many traditions observe two Seders on the first two nights of Passover, a practice originating from historical uncertainties in calendar observance.
A Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner held on the first night (or first two nights) of Passover, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
Seder is usually formal / religious in register.
Seder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈseɪdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈseɪdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Seder plate (the specific ceremonial plate with symbolic foods)”
- “Seder night”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SEquence of orDER. A Seder follows a specific order of rituals during the Passover meal.
Conceptual Metaphor
The Seder is a journey through history (re-living the Exodus).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a Seder?