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noun

dreidel

DRAYDL

Dreidel (noun) means a small four-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters, traditionally spun as part of a Hanukkah game. Example: “The children took turns spinning the dreidel for chocolate coins.”

noun
1
A small four-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters, traditionally spun as part of a Hanukkah game.
"The children took turns spinning the dreidel for chocolate coins."
2
The gambling-style game played with this top.
"We played dreidel every night of Hanukkah as kids."

How to use dreidel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spinning-top toy and game associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Common pairings
spin the dreidel play dreidel

Word forms

dreidels plural

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The children took turns spinning the _____ for chocolate coins.

Etymology

From Yiddish dreydl, itself linked to a word meaning "to spin or turn."

Origin: Yiddish

Rhymes for dreidel

See all rhymes for dreidel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dreidel” mean?

The word “dreidel” means a small four-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters, traditionally spun as part of a Hanukkah game. In plain terms, a spinning-top toy and game associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

How do you pronounce “dreidel”?

“Dreidel” is pronounced DRAYDL (/ˈdɹeɪdl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “dreidel” in a sentence?

Here is “dreidel” used in a sentence: “The children took turns spinning the dreidel for chocolate coins.”

What part of speech is “dreidel”?

“Dreidel” is a noun.

Where does the word “dreidel” come from?

The word “dreidel” comes from Yiddish. From Yiddish dreydl, itself linked to a word meaning "to spin or turn.".

How many meanings does “dreidel” have?

“Dreidel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small four-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters, traditionally spun as part of a Hanukkah game.

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