shadchan

[shaht-khuhn, shaht-khahn]

noun

Yiddish and Hebrew.

plural

shadchanim ,

plural

shadchans .

1. shadkhan.

shadchan

/ ˈʃatxən, ʃɑdˈxɑn /

noun

1. a Jewish marriage broker

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadchan¹

from Hebrew shadhkhān, from shiddēkh to arrange a marriage

Example Sentences

In Judaism, a shadchan—whether official or not—has connected partners over the ages.

Read more on The New Yorker

“She’s still recovering from her illness. You know how easily she gets upset and forgets things. And go wash yourself. I wonder that Fayge ever accepted the shadchan’s offer for your hand in marriage. You are so much of a prize you can kiss women without bathing?”

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The matchmaker, called a shadchan, is necessary because of the strict separation of the sexes.

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A fool of you!" echoed the Shadchan indignantly, "when I give you a chance of a boot and shoe manufacturer's daughter.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

"Perhaps they won't give a dowry," he thought, with a consolatory sense of outwitting the Shadchan.

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