Purim

noun

Pu·​rim ˈpu̇r-im How to pronounce Purim (audio)
ˈpyu̇r-,
-ˌēm;
pu̇-ˈrim,
pyu̇- How to pronounce Purim (audio) -ˈrēm How to pronounce Purim (audio)
: a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 14th of Adar in commemoration of the deliverance of the Jews from the massacre plotted by Haman

Examples of Purim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Easter, Purim, and Día de Muertos are repeating events that work like keyframes in our lives. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 July 2024 The annual Purim parade in the city was canceled this year over security concerns. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024 Additionally, it can be associated with other cultural and religious events, including the Jewish holiday of Purim. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2024 The Purim story is one of stunning reversals, none more consequential than Esther’s transition from passivity to action. Todd Pittinsky, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2024 Thankfully, this season sees Susie continuing to serve looks that could double as costumes for Desperately Seeking Susan — synagogue Purim spiel. Sarah Nechamkin, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2024 That evening marked the beginning of Purim, the festive commemoration of the victory of the Jews over Haman the Agagite, a court official in the Persian Empire and the nemesis of the Jews in the Old Testament’s Book of Esther. Mark Mazzetti Jonathan Davis Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 16 May 2024 The Major League Eating speed-eating record for Purim holiday cookies is 50 in six minutes, held by Eric Booker. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2023 Jews across the empire began serving baklava on the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Purim as well. John Moretti, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew pūrīm, literally, lots; from the casting of lots by Haman (Esther 9:24–26)

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Purim was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Purim

Cite this Entry

“Purim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Purim. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Purim

noun
: a Jewish holiday observed in February or March that celebrates the rescue of the Jews from a plot to massacre them
Etymology

from Hebrew pūrīm (plural), literally, "lots cast in determining something by chance"; so called because Haman in the biblical story in Esther 9:24–26 cast lots to decide a day on which he planned to destroy the Jews

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