dreidel

American  

[dreyd-l] / ˈdreɪd l /

noun

plural

dreidels, dreidel

1. a four-sided top bearing the Hebrew letters nun, gimel, he, and shin, one on each side, used chiefly in a children's game traditionally played on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

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Etymology

Origin of dreidel

1925–30; < Yiddish dreydl, equivalent to drey ( en ) to rotate, turn (< Middle High German dræ ( je ) n, dræhen; compare G. drehen ) + -dl noun suffix

Explanation

One fun Hanukkah tradition is playing with a dreidel, a small top with Hebrew letters on each of its four sides. Dreidel is also the name of the game played with this kind of top — and winners are often rewarded with the most chocolate coins. For generations, a common prize for being the luckiest dreidel spinner has been actual money, coins referred to as Hanukkah gelt. Candy makers invented the newer tradition of chocolate versions covered in gold foil. To play with a dreidel, you spin it, and depending which side lands facing up, you either lose game pieces or take them from the pot in the center. The Yiddish root, dreyen, means "to turn."

Example Sentences

My Jewish cousin even gave me a dreidel – though it wasn’t made of clay.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2023

Normally the holiday is about fun for kids, with gifts and dreidel songs.

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2023

The arrival of Hanukkah also brought joy, with its mix of fried foods — potato latkes and doughnuts — plus candles, gifts and the spinning-top game dreidel.

From Washington Post • Dec. 18, 2022

Trestan said he was told by Antonucci that the words "rabbi" and "dreidel" were also used in Duxbury's March 12 game against Plymouth North.

From Fox News • Mar. 24, 2021

As we watch the candles burn and play our last game of dreidel, Mom goes into the family room.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan