sukkoth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Academic
Quick answer
What does “sukkoth” mean?
A major Jewish autumn festival commemorating the temporary shelters used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major Jewish autumn festival commemorating the temporary shelters used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
The festival of Sukkoth (or Sukkot) is a week-long holiday of thanksgiving and harvest, during which observant Jews build and dwell in a temporary booth (sukkah). It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals in Judaism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both spellings 'Sukkoth' and 'Sukkot' are used interchangeably in both regions, though 'Sukkot' is perhaps more prevalent in contemporary publishing.
Connotations
Carries the same religious and cultural connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both regions, appearing primarily in religious, historical, or cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sukkoth” in a Sentence
[Subject] observes/celebrates Sukkoth.Sukkoth [verb] begins/falls on...The [noun] of Sukkoth is...During Sukkoth, [clause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sukkoth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community will sukkoth together in the synagogue's garden.
- They have been sukko thing for generations.
American English
- Our family sukkots every fall in the backyard.
- They plan to sukkot at their grandparents' house.
adjective
British English
- The Sukkoth liturgy is particularly beautiful.
- They prepared a Sukkoth feast for the guests.
American English
- The Sukkot holiday is a time for joy.
- We built a Sukkot booth from bamboo and branches.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of holiday schedules or multicultural workplace communications.
Academic
Common in religious studies, theology, history, and cultural anthropology texts.
Everyday
Used primarily by Jewish communities or in areas with significant Jewish populations. Uncommon in general casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to liturgical and halakhic (Jewish legal) discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sukkoth”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sukkoth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sukkoth”
- Misspelling as 'Sukkot', 'Sukkos', or 'Sukkoth' is common and generally acceptable. Pronouncing the final 'th' as in 'cloth' is less common than a 't' or 's' sound.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Sukkoth' and 'Sukkot' are different transliterations of the same Hebrew word (סוכות). 'Sukkot' is the more common modern spelling.
It begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, usually in September or October, and lasts for seven days (eight in the Diaspora for some communities).
The sukkah is a temporary booth meant to recall the fragile dwellings of the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. It also symbolises reliance on God.
It is a major festival observed by religiously observant Jews worldwide. Secular or less observant Jews may not build a sukkah but might attend a community celebration or meal.
A major Jewish autumn festival commemorating the temporary shelters used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
Sukkoth is usually formal, religious, academic in register.
Sukkoth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʊkɒθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːkoʊt/ or /ˈsʊkəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dwell in the sukkah”
- “Wave the lulav and etrog”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SACK-oth' but with a 'U' – you SUKKOTH in a temporary hut (like a sack of leaves) during the harvest.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPERMANENCE IS SPIRITUAL EXPOSURE (the temporary booth represents vulnerability and divine protection).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary structure associated with the observance of Sukkoth?