Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

Shem

American  
[shem] / ʃɛm /
Douay Bible, Sem

noun

  1. the eldest of the three sons of Noah. Genesis 10:21.


Shem British  
/ ʃɛm /

noun

  1. Douay spelling: SemOld Testament the eldest of Noah's three sons (Genesis 10:21)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Shem

From Late Latin Sem, from Greek Sḗm, from Hebrew Shēm, of uncertain origin

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.

“Bring them back!” shouted Omer Shem Tov, a hostage freed in a previous prisoner exchange with Hamas.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2025

At some point, Shem Rivera, 26, a worship leader and a founder walked up to 18-year-old Noah Moon on the dance floor, and asked him how he had heard about The Cove.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2024

"I'm excited for the families who today are going to hug their loved ones," Shelly Shem Tov, the mother of Omer Shem Tov, 21, said in an interview with Israel's Channel 12.

From Reuters • Nov. 25, 2023

Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son, Omer, is among the captives, called out to Netanyahu.

From Washington Times • Nov. 14, 2023

The Sjt. ordered Shem mount the Hilltop & survey.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "Shem" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com