Shema
Americannoun
noun
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the central statement of Jewish belief, the sentence "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is your God; the Lord is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4)
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the section of the liturgy consisting of this and related biblical passages, Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21 and Numbers 15:37–41, recited in the morning and evening prayers and on retiring at night
Etymology
Origin of Shema
From the Hebrew word shəmaʿ listen!
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.
"Every day I pray for a better future, so today I came to thank Lord Muruga," Shema said.
From Barron's ● Feb. 1, 2026
It was Noah’s idea to do the Shema prayer for his breakdown.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 8, 2026
Though select commenters refuse to believe it, @dem_bruddaz actually are people, the real-life brothers Orlando Murayire, Fernando Shami, Freddy Sheja and Aristide Shema.
From New York Times ● Oct. 6, 2023
Osborn Shema added 11 points and four blocks.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 25, 2022
Jacob is trying to remember the rest of the Shema.
From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
