Salem
Americannoun
-
a seaport in northeastern Massachusetts: founded 1626; site of witch hunt 1692–93; home of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
-
a city in and the capital of Oregon, in the northwestern part, on the Willamette River.
-
a town in southeastern New Hampshire.
-
a town in southwestern Virginia, near Roanoke.
-
a city in eastern Ohio.
-
a city in central Tamil Nadu, in southern India.
-
an ancient city of Canaan, later identified with Jerusalem. Genesis 14:18; Psalms 76:2.
noun
-
a city in S India, in Tamil Nadu: textile industries. Pop: 693 236 (2001)
-
a city in NE Massachusetts, on the Atlantic: scene of the execution of 19 people after the witch hunts of 1692. Pop: 42 067 (2003 est)
-
a city in the NW USA, the state capital of Oregon: food-processing. Pop: 142 914 (2003 est)
-
an Old Testament name for Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18; Psalms 76:2) See Jerusalem
Etymology
Origin of Salem
From Late Latin Salem, from Greek Salḗm, from Hebrew Shālēm, a name of uncertain origin and meaning, but traditionally interpreted as a synonym of Jerusalem and associated in meaning with shālōm “peace”; see also Jerusalem ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He’s now sent hundreds of homesick New Englanders classic dishes, like pork fried rice and boneless ribs from area favorites like Golden Temple in Brookline and Fantasy Island in Salem.
From Salon • May 3, 2026
“What’s cool about North Salem and the whole Westchester area is everyone pretty much keeps to themselves, and I really don’t get bothered up there,” he added.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026
Such a pitch might eventually appeal to undecided Los Angeles voter Leila Salem, 28, who identifies as an independent and is staunchly opposed to the war.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
That includes a president, a parliament and varying governmental, military and religious hierarchies, noted Paul Salem, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026
We reached the Salem wharves late in the day; I climbed down to open the carriage door and set in place the steps.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
