manna

noun

man·​na ˈma-nə 

1

a

: food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness

b

: divinely supplied spiritual nourishment

c

: a usually sudden and unexpected source of gratification, pleasure, or gain

2

a

: the sweetish dried exudate of a Eurasian ash (especially Fraxinus ornus) that contains mannitol and has been used as a laxative and demulcent

b

: a similar product excreted by a scale insect (Trabutina mannipara) feeding on the tamarisk

Synonyms

• delectation
• delight
• feast
• gas [slang]
• joy
• kick
• pleasure
• treat

Examples of manna in a Sentence

Your generous gift was manna from heaven.

the announcement that there would be a sequel was manna to the many fans of the original movie

Recent Examples on the Web

This was manna for kids, who could text (or sext) each other without fear of their parents’ prying eyes. —Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024

The relics are believed to have healing powers and to this day seem to excrete a watery liquid known as manna, and their transfer is celebrated each May by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians alike. —Lara Jakes, New York Times, 10 June 2024

Perhaps a day will come when being presented with AI art will be akin to receiving manna from heaven or the golden apples from Gaia’s enchanted tree—gifts of the gods that are free, invaluable, and inexhaustible. —Meghan O'Gieblyn, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2024

But make no mistake: This abundance of Sondheim was manna in a lean theatrical year. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew mān

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing manna

• manna grass

Kids Definition

manna

noun

man·​na ˈman-ə 

1

: food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness

2

: a usually sudden and unexpected source of pleasure or gain

Medical Definition

manna

noun

man·​na ˈman-ə 

1

: the sweetish dried exudate of a European ash (especially Fraxinus ornus) that contains mannitol and has been used as a laxative and demulcent

2

: a product that is similar to manna and is excreted by a scale insect (Trabutina mannipara) feeding on the tamarisk