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noun

golem

GOH-luhm

Golem (noun) means In Jewish folklore, a humanlike figure made from clay or mud and brought to life by magic, often to serve or protect its creator. Example: “In the legend, the rabbi shaped a golem from river clay to defend the ghetto.”

noun
1
In Jewish folklore, a humanlike figure made from clay or mud and brought to life by magic, often to serve or protect its creator.
"In the legend, the rabbi shaped a golem from river clay to defend the ghetto."
"The fantasy novel features a lumbering stone golem as the hero's bodyguard."

How to use golem

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA clay or stone figure magically animated to move and act like a living being, from Jewish legend and popular in fantasy fiction.

Word forms

golems plural

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In the legend, the rabbi shaped a _____ from river clay to defend the ghetto.

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew golem, referring to an unformed or unfinished mass — the raw material before it becomes a living being.

Origin: Hebrew

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “golem” mean?

The word “golem” means in Jewish folklore, a humanlike figure made from clay or mud and brought to life by magic, often to serve or protect its creator. In plain terms, a clay or stone figure magically animated to move and act like a living being, from Jewish legend and popular in fantasy fiction.

How do you pronounce “golem”?

“Golem” is pronounced GOH-luhm (/ˈɡoʊ.ləm/ in IPA).

How do you use “golem” in a sentence?

Here is “golem” used in a sentence: “In the legend, the rabbi shaped a golem from river clay to defend the ghetto.”

What part of speech is “golem”?

“Golem” is a noun.

Where does the word “golem” come from?

The word “golem” comes from Hebrew. Borrowed from Hebrew golem, referring to an unformed or unfinished mass — the raw material before it becomes a living being.

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