noun
reb
Reb (noun) means a respectful title used before the name of a Jewish teacher or religious leader, similar to "sir" or "mister.". Example: “The students greeted Reb Yankel before the lesson began.”
noun
1
A respectful title used before the name of a Jewish teacher or religious leader, similar to "sir" or "mister."
"The students greeted Reb Yankel before the lesson began."
"Everyone in the shul knew him simply as Reb Moshe."
2
Short for "Rebbe," the leader of a Hasidic community.
"Followers travelled from across the country to hear the Reb speak."
How to use reb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite Yiddish/Hebrew title placed before a man's first name, roughly like "Mr." but with a note of respect for religious learning.
Common pairings
Reb Yankel
the Reb said
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The students greeted _____ Yankel before the lesson began.
Etymology
From Yiddish reb, itself borrowed from Hebrew rav ("master, teacher").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “reb” mean?
The word “reb” means a respectful title used before the name of a Jewish teacher or religious leader, similar to "sir" or "mister.". In plain terms, a polite Yiddish/Hebrew title placed before a man's first name, roughly like "Mr." but with a note of respect for religious learning.
How do you use “reb” in a sentence?
Here is “reb” used in a sentence: “The students greeted Reb Yankel before the lesson began.”
What part of speech is “reb”?
“Reb” is a noun.
Where does the word “reb” come from?
The word “reb” comes from Hebrew. From Yiddish reb, itself borrowed from Hebrew rav ("master, teacher").
How many meanings does “reb” have?
“Reb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a respectful title used before the name of a Jewish teacher or religious leader, similar to "sir" or "mister.".
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