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

His impromptu words during the ceremony reflected a profound understanding of the menorah's symbolism — that even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail. —Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

Doubling up on holiday celebrations, Madonna also shared a look at a menorah, before snapping some pics with Morris — who posed shirtless and in a cozy grey turtleneck. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Putting the menorah in the window is our expression of working to be a light among the nations. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Join the menorah lighting in Manayunk on Thursday at 5pm at Canal View Park. —Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew mĕnōrāh candlestick

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

menorah

noun

me·​no·​rah mə-ˈnȯr-ə 

: a holder for candles used in Jewish worship