dreidel

[dreyd-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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dreidel¹

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

Example Sentences

Using blue and white lights or incorporating Jewish symbols like illuminated dreidels or Stars of David allows families to celebrate their traditions while connecting with their neighbors.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

We would light the candles, spin the dreidel, eat the latkes, sing the songs.

From Salon

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

From New York Times

Four days later, the Stroum will host Hands on Hanukkah, which brings community members together for holiday crafts and activities such as decorating wooden dreidels and making mosaic menorahs and tissue-paper sun catchers.

From Seattle Times