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

It is observed with a 25-hour fast, intensive synagogue services, and seeking forgiveness from God and others. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Dec. 2024

The synagogue stopped holding services and instead housed a military hospital and meeting hall. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024

The country’s first synagogue in generations was opened in February 2023 as part of the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex that also includes a mosque and a church. —Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

At the synagogue in South Tel Aviv, Anne Dubitzky said that this year, the celebrations were largely in deference to Israel’s children. —Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 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