Search Dictionary
Definition of schmaltz

schmaltz

/ʃmɑːlts/
schmaltz
Adjective:schmaltzy
JUMP TO:

schmaltz Lexical Profile

schmaltz Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Excessive, cloying sentimentality, especially in music, drama, or literature.

Example

"The director's latest romantic drama relies far too heavily on schmaltz rather than genuine character development."

2

Rendered poultry fat, especially from chickens or geese, used as a cooking fat or spread in traditional Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine.

Example

"She sautéed the chopped onions in golden chicken schmaltz before folding them into the matzo ball mixture."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for schmaltz
Antonyms
View all antonyms for schmaltz

• Nearby Words

schlumbergera
schmadribach
schmadribach falls
schmaltz
schmaltzy
schmalzy
schmear

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from Yiddish shmalts, which derives from Middle High German smalz ('melted fat'), related to the verb schmelzen ('to melt').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Schmaltz. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/schmaltz
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.