bat mitzvah

1 of 2

noun

bat mitz·​vah bät-ˈmits-və 

variants or less commonly bas mitzvah

bäs-ˈmits-və 

often capitalized B&M

1

: a Jewish girl who at 12 or more years of age assumes religious responsibilities

2

: the initiatory ceremony recognizing a girl as a bat mitzvah

bat mitzvah

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly bas mitzvah

bat mitzvahed also bas mitzvahed; bat mitzvahing also bas mitzvahing

transitive verb

: to administer the ceremony of bat mitzvah to

Examples of bat mitzvah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, Carla’s bat mitzvah ultimately operates as a sort of sensual release for both parties. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2024

Learning of his profession, Carla starts to pursue Ben for bat mitzvah lessons. —Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2024

Verb

Our granddaughter is having her bat mitzvah next month, in North Carolina. —Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 11 Aug. 2020

For Sunny's bat mitzvah in May 2022, Adam again turned to his celebrity friends to make the party extra special. —Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Hebrew bath mişwāh, literally, daughter of the (divine) law

First Known Use

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bat mitzvah

1 of 2 noun

bat mitz·​vah bät-ˈmits-və 

variants also bas mitzvah

bä-ˈsmits-və 

often capitalized B&M

1

: a Jewish girl who at about 12 years of age takes on religious responsibilities

2

: the ceremony recognizing a girl as a bat mitzvah

bat mitzvah

2 of 2 verb

variants also bas mitzvah

bat mitzvahed also bas mitzvahed; bat mitzvahing also bas mitzvahing

: to administer the ceremony of bat mitzvah to

Etymology

Noun

from Hebrew bath miṣwāh, literally, "daughter of the (divine) law"