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

See Examples For:

mazel tov

You can say the Dodgers are ruining the game, or you can just say mazel tov.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 2025

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

You’ll know when it’s time for the big reveal, and let’s hope when it comes, the group just says, mazel tov!

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2014

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