golem

[ goh-luh m, -lem ]

/ ˈgoʊ ləm, -lɛm /

noun

Jewish Folklore. a figure artificially constructed in the form of a human being and endowed with life.

a stupid and clumsy person; blockhead.

an automaton.

Nearby words

Origin of golem

1895–1900; (< Yiddish goylem) < Hebrew gōlem embryo, larva, cocoon

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for golem

Over the next decade, the Golem appeared in at least one poem, an opera, and a German film.
Superman Is Jewish: The Hebrew Roots of America's Greatest Superhero|Rich Goldstein|August 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Due to rising global anti-Semitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Golem had resurfaced in popular Jewish culture.
Superman Is Jewish: The Hebrew Roots of America's Greatest Superhero|Rich Goldstein|August 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The golem standing before him was small, and its eyes glowed red.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow
"I knew you were a man as soon as I saw you talking to the golem," said the red-head.
It Could Be Anything|John Keith Laumer

The golem had dragged itself into this corner and had fallen to mud.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow
His chest was heaving from his tantrum, but the presence of the golem calmed him.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow
"Perhaps I'd better call the headwaiter, sir," the golem said stiffly.
It Could Be Anything|John Keith Laumer

British Dictionary definitions for golem

golem

/ (ˈɡəʊlɛm) /

noun

(in Jewish legend) an artificially created human being brought to life by supernatural means

Word Origin for golem

from Yiddish goylem, from Hebrew gōlem formless thing

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for golem

golem

"artificial man, automaton," 1897, from Hebrew golem [Psalm cxxxix:16] "shapeless mass, embryo," from galam "he wrapped up, folded."