Yiddish
Yiddish (name) means a Germanic language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews across central and eastern Europe, traditionally written in Hebrew script and blending German with Hebrew, Slavic, and other influences. Example: “Her grandparents still spoke Yiddish at home.”
How to use Yiddish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe historic language of Ashkenazi Jewish communities, closely related to German.
Word forms
more Yiddish comparative, most Yiddish superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
Her grandparents still spoke _____ at home.
Etymology
From Yiddish yidish, itself from a Middle High German phrase meaning literally "Jewish German".
Frequently asked questions
What does “Yiddish” mean?
The word “Yiddish” means a Germanic language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews across central and eastern Europe, traditionally written in Hebrew script and blending German with Hebrew, Slavic, and other influences. In plain terms, the historic language of Ashkenazi Jewish communities, closely related to German.
How do you pronounce “Yiddish”?
“Yiddish” is pronounced YIHD-ihsh (/ˈjɪd.ɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Yiddish” in a sentence?
Here is “Yiddish” used in a sentence: “Her grandparents still spoke Yiddish at home.”
What part of speech is “Yiddish”?
Depending on how it is used, “Yiddish” can be a name and an adjective.
Where does the word “Yiddish” come from?
The word “Yiddish” comes from German. From Yiddish yidish, itself from a Middle High German phrase meaning literally "Jewish German".
Is “Yiddish” a common word?
“Yiddish” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Yiddish” have?
“Yiddish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Germanic language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews across central and eastern Europe, traditionally written in Hebrew script and blending German with Hebrew, Slavic, and other influences.
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