halakah

noun

ha·​la·​kah

variants or halachah or halacha

häˈläḵä 

ˌhäläˈḵä,

həˈläkə

plural halakahs

-ḵäz,

-kəz

or halakoth or halachoth

häˈläˌḵōth,

ˌhäläˈḵōth,

-ōt,

-ōs

often capitalized

: the body of Jewish oral laws supplementing the scriptural law and forming especially the legal part of the Talmud compare aggadah , midrash

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew hălākhāh, literally, way

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