golem

[ goh-luhm, -lem ]

/ ˈgoʊ ləm, -lɛm /

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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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of golem

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

Words nearby golem

Goldwater, Goldwater, Barry, goldwork, Goldwyn, Goldwynism, golem, golf, golf bag, golf ball, golf cart, golf club

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use golem in a sentence

Rachel’s Theraputticals version of a golem functions as a metaphor for the colors and size she longs for her in life.
Melissa Broder’s ‘Milk Fed’ is a delectable exploration of physical and emotional hunger|Bethanne Patrick|February 9, 2021|Washington Post
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
Other Jewish candidates for inspiring Superman include the mythological Golem.
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

Slowly, gratingly, the golem turned and lumbered out of the cave, clumsy and ponderous.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow
The golem standing before him was small, and its eyes glowed red.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow
A flapping window-shade cast restless shadows on the still golem features on which dust was already settling.
It Could Be Anything|John Keith Laumer
A lone golem in a tasseled fez, left over from the morning's parade, leaned stiffly against a lamp post, eyes blank.
It Could Be Anything|John Keith Laumer
His chest was heaving from his tantrum, but the presence of the golem calmed him.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow

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