aljama

noun

al·​ja·​ma
älˈhämə
plural -s
: a Jewish congregation or community in medieval Spain
especially : a Jewish (sometimes Moorish) quarter, school, or synagogue

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Arabic al-jamāʽah the assembly, congregation of people

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aljama was in 1848

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near aljama

Cite this Entry

“Aljama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aljama. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!