menorah

American  

[muh-nawr-uh, -nohr-uh] / məˈnɔr ə, -ˈnoʊr ə /

noun

1. a candelabrum having seven branches (as used in the Biblical tabernacle or the Temple in Jerusalem), or any number of branches (as used in modern synagogues).

2. a candelabrum having nine branches, for use on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

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menorah British  

/ məˈnɑʊrɔ, mɪˈnɔːrə /

noun

1. a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple and now an emblem of Judaism and the badge of the state of Israel

2. a candelabrum having eight branches and a shammes that is lit during the festival of Hanukkah

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menorah Cultural  

1. A nine-branched candelabrum used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The center candle, or “starter,” is used to light the other eight candles, with one additional candle lit on each subsequent evening of the celebration.

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Etymology

Origin of menorah

First recorded in 1885–90, menorah is from the Hebrew word mənōrāh literally, lampstand

Example Sentences

The event ended with the lighting of the menorah - something the crowds gathered for Hannukah last week couldn't do.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

A menorah in the public square was not a breach of neutrality but a sign that the country belonged equally to all.

From Slate • Dec. 19, 2025

But beyond that, the reports are like Christmas trees, or candles on a menorah.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Instagram’s @ChallahPrince, this year have collaborated on an illustrated recipe for making a challah menorah — a full-circle moment as Rebecca is seen in “The Weinerville Chanukah Special’s” closing montage showing her own environmentally-conscious “Recyclorah.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

The first time we met the Gestapo, they’d helped themselves to most of the books, one painting, the silver menorah, and all of Grandmother Adler’s china.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• candelabra
• sconce