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Definition of dreidel

dreidel

/ˈdreɪ.dəl/
drei · del
Plural:dreidels
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dreidel Lexical Profile

dreidel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A four-sided spinning top inscribed with the Hebrew letters nun, gimel, hei, and shin (or pei in Israel), traditionally played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Example

"The children gathered around the kitchen table to spin the wooden dreidel for chocolate coins."

2

A traditional game of chance played with this four-sided spinning top using coins, nuts, or candies as tokens.

Example

"After lighting the menorah, the whole family played a lively game of dreidel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dreidel

• Rhymes for dreidel

• Nearby Words

dredger
dredgings
dregs
dreidel
drench
dresden
dress

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from Yiddish dreydl, a diminutive derived from the verb dreyen ('to turn or spin'), which corresponds to the Middle High German dræjen.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dreidel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dreidel
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