shofar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, religious, academic, historical
Quick answer
What does “shofar” mean?
A ram's-horn trumpet used for Jewish religious ceremonies, especially on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ram's-horn trumpet used for Jewish religious ceremonies, especially on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
In modern contexts, can symbolize a call to repentance, a signal, or an ancient musical instrument; sometimes used metaphorically for a loud, attention-grabbing sound or announcement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; the term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same religious and cultural connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but predictable within contexts discussing Jewish holidays or ancient music.
Grammar
How to Use “shofar” in a Sentence
[Someone] blows/sounds the shofar.The shofar is blown/sounded [on a specific occasion].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in religious studies, historical musicology, and cultural anthropology texts discussing Jewish rituals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific religious communities.
Technical
May appear in organology (study of musical instruments) as a type of aerophone.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shofar”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shofar”
- Misspelling as 'shofarr' or 'shofer'.
- Using it as a generic term for any horn or trumpet.
- Incorrect pronunciation with a hard 'sh' as in 'shop'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a ritual object with religious significance in Judaism. Its sound is meant to awaken spiritual introspection, not to make music in the conventional sense.
Traditionally, it is made from the horn of a kosher animal (like a ram, goat, or kudu), with a ram's horn being the most common and symbolic. Horns from cows or calves are not used.
There are traditional sequences of notes: Tekiah (one long blast), Shevarim (three broken sounds), Teruah (nine staccato blasts). Each has symbolic interpretations related to repentance, alarm, and hope.
Yes, producing the clear, resonant blasts requires practice and breath control. In synagogues, a skilled person (a 'Ba'al Tekiah' or 'shofar blower') is appointed for this role.
A ram's-horn trumpet used for Jewish religious ceremonies, especially on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Shofar is usually formal, religious, academic, historical in register.
Shofar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ.fɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ.fɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sound the shofar (for) = to signal or call for something, especially repentance or attention.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHOw FAR' – the sound of the shofar is shown to carry far, calling people together.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SHOFAR IS A DIVINE ALARM CLOCK (signaling a time for awakening and reflection).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'shofar'?