aleph

noun

ˈä-ˌlef How to pronounce aleph (audio)
-ləf
: the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet see Alphabet Table

Examples of aleph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why is the letter aleph in the word va’yikra, the very first word of the Book of Leviticus, written smaller than the others? Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2024 At Mt. Sinai, God’s voice, in midrash, was heard communally, but was so overwhelming that only the first letter, aleph, was sounded. Jerome Groopman, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew āleph, probably from eleph ox

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Aleph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aleph. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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