synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue ˈsi-nə-ˌgäg How to pronounce synagogue (audio)
variants or less commonly synagog
1
: a Jewish congregation
2
: the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation
synagogal adjective

Examples of synagogue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rise in such incidents have put all levels of law enforcement agencies on high alert as federal authorities monitor threats and local officials bolster surveillance and security at mosques and synagogues. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 When a visibly Jewish individual in an otherwise pleasant neighborhood is shot unprovoked on his way to synagogue, we are terrorized. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 31 Oct. 2024 Then, around 6:30 a.m., two men attempted to break into the synagogue, police say. Dalia Faheid, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024 After Hitler’s rise to power, and the promulgation of laws against Jews, Metzger’s mother asked him one day to go to the synagogue to have his father come home. Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for synagogue 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English synagoge, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin synagoga, from Greek synagōgē assembly, synagogue, from synagein to bring together, from syn- + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synagogue was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near synagogue

Cite this Entry

“Synagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synagogue. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

synagogue

noun
syn·​a·​gogue
variants also synagog
1
: a Jewish congregation
2
: the house of worship of a Jewish congregation
Etymology

Middle English synagoge "a Jewish congregation," from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē "synagogue, assembly," from synagein "to bring together," from syn- "together with" and agein "to lead" — related to synonymous

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