Torah

noun

To·​rah ˈtȯr-ə How to pronounce Torah (audio)
ˈtȯi-rə
1
: the body of wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred literature and oral tradition
2
: the five books of Moses constituting the Pentateuch
3
: a leather or parchment scroll of the Pentateuch used in a synagogue for liturgical purposes

Examples of Torah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rabbi David Steinhardt has served as Senior Rabbi at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton since 1994. Rabbi David Steinhardt, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025 The first invasion of Israeli territory since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the attacks coincided with the Jewish religious holiday Simchat Torah and started the ongoing Gaza war. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025 Congregation Beth Torah said on social media that three Rabbis from three congregations that touched her life will join together to lead the services. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025 Especially in lieu of what’s been happening in the world since Simchat Torah (Oct. 7, 2023). Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Torah

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew tōrāh

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Torah was in 1547

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Cite this Entry

“Torah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Torah. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

Torah

noun
To·​rah ˈtōr-ə How to pronounce Torah (audio)
ˈtȯr-;
ˈtȯi-rə
1
: the wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred writings and in oral tradition
2
: a scroll containing the first five books of the Old Testament used in a synagogue for religious services

More from Merriam-Webster on Torah

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