golem

American  

[goh-luhm, -lem] / ˈgoʊ ləm, -lɛm /

noun

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

2. a stupid and clumsy person; blockhead.

3. an automaton.

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golem British  

/ ˈɡəʊlɛm /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of golem

First recorded in 1895–1900; (via Yiddish goylem ) from Biblical Hebrew gōlem “something wrapped together, shapeless mass; embryo”

Example Sentences

This impulse is an ancient one: The idea that one might bind a djinn, create a golem or manipulate a god or fairy to do your bidding is inscribed deep in the human imagination.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

The most famous golem is the one allegedly made by the 16th century Rabbi Judah Low ben Bezulel of Prague to protect the Jewish people from antisemitic attacks.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2023

The medieval golem isn’t a proto-robot, and it isn’t a parable about uncontrolled power.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2022

We’ve been dreaming of artificial humans for thousands of years — from the singing, gold-forged Celedones of ancient Greek myth to the golem of Jewish folklore, molded from clay and animated by sacred words.

From The Verge • May 4, 2022

The golem stretched and let out a groan to rival the roars of the banished demon.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull