Zion

American  

[zahy-uhn] / ˈzaɪ ən /

noun

1. a hill in Jerusalem, on which the Temple was built (used to symbolize the city itself, especially as a religious or spiritual center).

2. the Jewish people.

3. Palestine as the Jewish homeland and symbol of Judaism.

4. heaven as the final gathering place of true believers.

5. a city in NE Illinois.

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Zion British  

/ ˈzaɪən /

noun

1. the hill on which the city of Jerusalem stands

2. Judaism

   1. the ancient Israelites of the Bible

   2. the modern Jewish nation

   3. Israel as the national home of the Jewish people

3. Christianity heaven regarded as the city of God and the final abode of his elect

4. any form of social organization, way of life, or life after death regarded as an ultimate goal

5. 1. a religious community or its site, regarded as chosen by God and under his special protection

   2. an ideal theocratic community, esp any of the Christian Churches regarded as such a community

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Etymology

Origin of Zion

before 1000; < Hebrew sīyyōn; replacing Middle English, Old English Sion < Late Latin (Vulgate) Siōn < Greek (Septuagint) Seiṓn < Hebrew, as above

Example Sentences

The singer gave birth to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster prematurely last May with musician Zion Foster.

From BBC

Late in the third quarter, Texans defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins burst past left guard Zion Johnson, and then swiftly ran by center Bradley Bozeman in help protection and grabbed Herbert by the waist.

From Los Angeles Times

The policy also specifies that international visitors without an annual pass will need to pay a $100-per-person surcharge at 11 of the most visited national parks, which include Acadia, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion.

From The Wall Street Journal

Underground religious bodies like Zion Church, though harassed, persist with quiet resilience; officials often face a whack-a-mole reality in trying to suppress them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, meanwhile, has emerged as a steady presence after enduring a torrid time at last year's Asian Cup.

From Barron's

Related Words

• Promised Land
• immortality
• nirvana
• paradise