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Hanukkah vocabulary word list

This list brings together vocabulary tied to Hanukkah, from the menorah and dreidel to the blessings and foods that mark each of the eight nights. It suits students and families preparing for a holiday unit or simply wanting the right words to talk about the festival's history, symbols, and customs.

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Hanukkah vocabulary word list

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
menorahnounA branched candelabrum used in Jewish worship, especially the nine-branched version lit during Hanukkah.The family lit one more candle on the menorah each night of Hanukkah.
dreidelnounA four-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters, traditionally used in a game played during Hanukkah.The children spun the dreidel and cheered whenever it landed on the winning letter.
geltnounChocolate coins given as gifts, traditionally during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.The children eagerly unwrapped their gelt after lighting the menorah on the first night.
latkenounA fried pancake made from grated potato, traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.Her grandmother fried a batch of crispy latkes for the Hanukkah dinner.
sufganiyahnounA round, jelly-filled doughnut traditionally eaten during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.Bakeries in Israel sell millions of sufganiyot in the weeks before Hanukkah.
candlenounA stick of wax with a wick through the center, burned to produce light.She lit a candle on the dinner table to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
wicknounThe braided cord in a candle or lamp that draws up fuel to be burned as a flame.She trimmed the candle's wick before lighting it so the flame would burn evenly.
miraclenounA surprising and welcome event that seems impossible to explain by natural or scientific laws.Doctors called her recovery a miracle after she survived such a severe accident.
festivalnounA day or period of celebration, often with public events, marking a special occasion.Thousands of visitors attended the music festival held along the riverbank each July.
traditionnounA long-established custom or belief passed down within a family, group, or culture.Baking bread together every Sunday has become a tradition in our family.
blessingnounSomething that brings happiness, help, or good fortune, or a prayer asking for divine favor.Having supportive neighbors was a real blessing during the difficult winter.
prayernounA solemn request, expression of thanks, or thought addressed to a god or other object of worship.The whole village gathered for a prayer of thanks after the long drought finally ended.
kindleverbTo start a fire burning, or figuratively to arouse a feeling or interest.He used dry leaves and small twigs to kindle the campfire before dark.
flamenounThe visible, hot, glowing part of a fire.The candle's flame flickered gently in the evening breeze.
heritagenounValued traditions, achievements, beliefs, or property passed down from earlier generations.The festival celebrates the town's rich cultural heritage.
customnounA traditional practice followed by a particular society, group, or region over time.It is a custom in some countries to remove your shoes before entering a home.
feastnounA large, elaborate meal, often prepared to celebrate a special occasion.The family gathered for a holiday feast with turkey, stuffing, and pie.
gatheringnounA meeting or assembly of people brought together for a shared purpose.The family held a small gathering to welcome the new baby.
templenounA building used for the worship of a deity or for other religious ceremonies.Pilgrims traveled hundreds of miles to visit the ancient temple carved into the mountainside.
oilnounA thick, greasy liquid that does not mix with water, used as fuel, for lubrication, or in cooking.She drizzled olive oil over the salad before serving it.
eightnumberThe number equal to one more than seven; the cardinal number 8.She arranged eight chairs around the table for the dinner guests.
nightnounThe period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.We drove through the night to reach the coast by morning.
spinning topnounA toy shaped like a cone that spins rapidly on its pointed tip when set in motion.The children took turns launching the spinning top across the wooden floor.
giftnounSomething given to someone voluntarily, without payment, to please or honor them.She wrapped the necklace carefully as a birthday gift for her sister.
celebrationnounAn event or activity held to mark a special occasion with enjoyment.The whole neighborhood joined the celebration for the town's centennial.
familynounA group of people related by blood, marriage, or close bonds, typically including parents and children.Three generations of the family gathered together for the holiday dinner this year.
songsnounShort musical compositions with words that are sung, typically featuring a melody and rhythm.The band played several songs from their new album at the concert.
lightnounThe natural energy from the sun or a lamp that makes things visible.Morning light streamed through the curtains and woke her gently.
waxverbTo gradually increase in size, strength, or intensity, especially describing the moon.The moon waxes for about two weeks before it begins to wane again.
dedicationnounCommitment and hard work directed toward a particular purpose or activity.Her dedication to the project meant she often stayed late into the evening.

Hanukkah words and their meanings

Many Hanukkah words describe objects at the center of the celebration, such as the menorah that holds the candles and the dreidel spun during games. Others describe food, like latke and sufganiyah, or ideas central to the holiday's story, such as miracle and dedication. Together these words give a fuller picture of how the festival is celebrated at home and in the community.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most important Hanukkah vocabulary words?

Core words include menorah, dreidel, gelt, and latke, along with concept words like miracle and dedication that explain why the holiday is celebrated.