noun

kibbutz

kih-BUUTS

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Kibbutz (noun) means a communal settlement in Israel, traditionally centred on agriculture, where members share property, work, and decision-making. Example: “She spent a summer volunteering on a kibbutz in northern Israel.”

noun

A communal settlement in Israel, traditionally centred on agriculture, where members share property, work, and decision-making.

"She spent a summer volunteering on a kibbutz in northern Israel."

How to use kibbutz

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA type of Israeli collective community, historically farming-based, where members share resources and labour.

Common mistake

Not related in origin to the informal English word "kibitz" (to offer unwanted advice), despite the similar sound.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kibbutzim, kibbutzes

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She spent a summer volunteering on a _____ in northern Israel.

Etymology

From Hebrew kibbutz, meaning "gathering" or "collective", from the verb "to gather" or "assemble".

Origin: Hebrew

Frequently asked questions

What does “kibbutz” mean?

The word “kibbutz” means a communal settlement in Israel, traditionally centred on agriculture, where members share property, work, and decision-making. In plain terms, a type of Israeli collective community, historically farming-based, where members share resources and labour.

How do you pronounce “kibbutz”?

“Kibbutz” is pronounced kih-BUUTS (/kɪˈbʊts/ in IPA).

How do you use “kibbutz” in a sentence?

Here is “kibbutz” used in a sentence: “She spent a summer volunteering on a kibbutz in northern Israel.”

What part of speech is “kibbutz”?

“Kibbutz” is a noun.

Where does the word “kibbutz” come from?

The word “kibbutz” comes from Hebrew. From Hebrew kibbutz, meaning "gathering" or "collective", from the verb "to gather" or "assemble".

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Words with hebrew origins Words that end with Z