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

Example Sentences

The attack on the home, which had been decorated with inflatable animals, dreidels and menorahs for Hanukkah, was captured on surveillance video.

From Los Angeles Times

I once threw an impromptu bash on the 4th night of Chanukah, sharing latkes and dreidels with out-of-town students and other “holiday orphans.”

From Salon

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