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

Families around the world brought their menorahs out this week to kick of Hanukkah which this year, in a rare occurrence, began on Christmas Day. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

The menorah holds nine candles for Hanukkah, according to brittanica.com. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024

In addition to traditional menorahs, consider incorporating pillar candles, strands of twinkly lights, candlesticks, tea lights, and more. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024

Celebration includes lighting a candle each day of Hanukkah using a menorah. —Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 3 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