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Definition of klezmer

klezmer

/ˈklɛz.mər/
klez · mer
Plural:klezmers
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klezmer Lexical Profile

klezmer Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A traditional genre of secular instrumental folk music of Ashkenazi Jewish origin from Eastern Europe, characterized by expressive, dance-like melodies that imitate the human voice and typically performed at weddings and celebrations.

Example

"The ensemble performed lively klezmer featuring soaring clarinet solos and rhythmic accordion accompaniment."

2

A musician who plays traditional Ashkenazi Jewish folk and dance music.

Example

"Itinerant klezmers once traveled from village to village across Eastern Europe to perform at wedding feasts."

Word Nuance & Usage

When referring to a musician, the plural is either 'klezmers' or the Yiddish plural 'klezmorim'. Like many genre names, it is frequently used attributively before another noun (e.g., 'klezmer band', 'klezmer clarinet').

• Nearby Words

kleptocrat
kleptomania
kleptomaniac
klezmer
klick
klondike
klutz

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Yiddish 'klezmer' (traditional musician), a contraction of Hebrew 'k'lei zemer', literally meaning 'vessels of song' or 'musical instruments'.

Cite this Entry

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