mazel tov

American  

[mah-zuhl tawv, tawf, tohv] / ˈmɑ zəl ˌtɔv, ˌtɔf, ˌtoʊv /

Or mazal tov

noun

1. an expression of congratulations and best wishes, used chiefly by Jews.

   A chorus of mazel tovs greeted the newlyweds as they circulated from table to table.

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interjection

1. Congratulations!; Best wishes!.

   “Mazel tov,” Grandpa said as he thrust a five-dollar bill into my pocket. “I'm so proud of you!”

Etymology

Origin of mazel tov

First recorded in 1860–65; from Yiddish mazltov, from Hebrew mazzāl tōv, literally, “good luck”; mazzāl “constellation, destiny, luck,” ultimately from Akkadian manzaltu, mazzaztum “location of a star, position”; tōv “good,” cognate with Arabic ṭayyib; cf. schlimazel ( def. )

Example Sentences

If you’re one of the successes, mazel tov!

From Washington Post • Apr. 25, 2023

You and your husband just became parents — mazel tov to that.

From The Verge • Jan. 6, 2022

Spears also got engaged along the way — mazel tov!

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2021

She signed off: “Love you, mazel tov, Miri,” cupping her hands into a heart shape.

From New York Times • Oct. 20, 2016

The idea came to me at the very moment Izzy smashed the glass and everyone yelled mazel tov.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg