synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue ˈsi-nə-ˌgäg 

variants or less commonly synagog

1

: a Jewish congregation

2

: the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation

synagogal

ˌsi-nə-ˈgä-gəl 

adjective

Examples of synagogue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Churches, synagogues and mosques become important touchstones in communities ravaged by disasters – now many here are also themselves victims of a disaster. —Sarah Ventre, NPR, 12 Jan. 2025

At least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries were burned. —John Seewer, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025

One of the three fast-moving wildfires in southern California has destroyed a historic Jewish synagogue near Los Angeles. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025

But with so few remaining in Damascus, the city's synagogues see no services. —Bassem Mroue, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English synagoge, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin synagoga, from Greek synagōgē assembly, synagogue, from synagein to bring together, from syn- + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue

variants also synagog

ˈsin-ə-ˌgäg 

1

: a Jewish congregation

2

: the house of worship of a Jewish congregation

Etymology

Middle English synagoge "a Jewish congregation," from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē "synagogue, assembly," from synagein "to bring together," from syn- "together with" and agein "to lead" — related to synonymous