synagogue
|syn-a-gogue|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɪnəˌɡɑːɡ/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɪnəˌɡɒɡ/
Jewish assembly / place of worship
Etymology
'synagogue' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'synagōgē,' where 'syn-' meant 'together' and 'agō' (from 'agōge') meant 'a bringing' or 'assembly'.
'synagogue' passed into Late Latin as 'synagoga', then Old French as 'sinagoge'/'synagoge', and into Middle English as 'sinagoge' before becoming the modern English 'synagogue'.
Initially, it meant 'an assembly' or 'a bringing together'; over time the term came to be used specifically for Jewish places and bodies for worship and communal gathering, and now primarily means a Jewish house of worship or congregation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Jewish house of worship and communal center where religious services, study, and community gatherings take place.
Many families attended the synagogue on the Sabbath.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a Jewish congregation or the organized community of worshippers (i.e., the people or body that meets in the building).
The synagogue decided to expand its outreach programs.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/12 04:14