synagogue

American  

[sin-uh-gog, -gawg] / ˈsɪn əˌgɒg, -ˌgɔg /

Or synagog

noun

1. a Jewish house of worship, often having facilities for religious instruction.

2. an assembly or congregation of Jews for the purpose of religious worship.

3. the Jewish religion; Judaism.

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synagogue British  

/ ˌsɪnəˈɡɒdʒɪkəl, ˈsɪnəˌɡɒɡ, ˈsɪnəˌɡɒɡəl /

noun

1. 1. a building for Jewish religious services and usually also for religious instruction

   2. ( as modifier )

      synagogue services

2. a congregation of Jews who assemble for worship or religious study

3. the religion of Judaism as organized in such congregations

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synagogue Cultural  

1. In Judaism, a house of worship and learning; also, the congregation that meets there.

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Other Word Forms

• synagogal adjective
• synagogical adjective

Etymology

Origin of synagogue

1125–75; Middle English synagoge < Late Latin synagōga < Greek synagōgḗ assembly, meeting, equivalent to syn- syn- + agōgḗ, noun use of feminine of agōgós (adj.) gathering, derivative of ágein to bring, lead; akin to Latin agere to drive

Example Sentences

The Eaton fire tore through the historic Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center one year ago, destroying its synagogue, preschool and thousands of books.

From Los Angeles Times

He retained his devotion to Judaism in various forms, attended a variety of synagogues and sometimes chanted biblical verses or gave guest sermons.

From The Wall Street Journal

There were also pictures of the King at a synagogue in Manchester, where he met members of the congregation who had tried to stop an attacker.

From BBC

The Jewish composer recalled the niguns — wordless, improvised prayers — that he grew up hearing in synagogue, and he drew on that sense memory.

From Los Angeles Times

As well as taking a bigger role in his synagogue he has also been more active in campaigning against antisemitism.

From BBC

Related Words

• chapel
• house of worship
• mosque
• parish
• shrine
• temple