menorah

noun

me·​no·​rah mə-ˈnȯr-ə 

: a candelabra with seven or nine lights that is used in Jewish worship

Illustration of menorah

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The Menorah and Hanukkah

In English, menorah was originally the name for the seven-branched candelabra used in Jewish worship. The nine-branched Hanukkah candelabra is called hanukkiah in Hebrew, but English speakers came to use menorah for this too. The Hanukkah menorah recalls expulsion by Judah Maccabee of invading forces from the Temple of Jerusalem. Maccabee and his followers sought oil for the temple’s menorah so that the sanctuary could be rededicated, but they found only enough oil for a single day. Miraculously, that tiny amount of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply could be obtained. The Hanukkah menorah includes a candle for each day the oil burned, plus the shammes, a "servant candle" that is used to light the others.

Examples of menorah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These blue menorahs, model No. 240-14-1380, were sold at Target stores and online from October through January. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025

Although there’s an unused menorah tucked high on a bookshelf, their living room is dominated by a huge Christmas tree. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025

The fire destroyed two menorahs and other Judaic objects. —Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025

Will their grudge glow brighter than a menorah, or will sparks fly this season of light? —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew mĕnōrāh candlestick

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for menorah

• aurorae
• fedora
• minora
• pandora
• pecora
• senora
• signora
• aura
• bora
• cora
• flora
• fora

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Kids Definition

menorah

noun

me·​no·​rah mə-ˈnȯr-ə 

: a holder for candles used in Jewish worship