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Definition of shivah

shivah

/ˈʃɪv.ə/
shi · vah
Plural:shivahs
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shivah Lexical Profile

shivah Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In Judaism, a seven-day period of formal mourning for an immediate family member, beginning immediately after the funeral and burial.

Example

"Neighbors and close friends visited the family's home to offer condolences while they were sitting shivah for their grandfather."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shivah

Word Nuance & Usage

Most commonly used in the idiomatic phrase 'to sit shivah' (also spelled 'shiva'), referring to the act of observing this seven-day mourning period while seated on low stools at home.

• Rhymes for shivah

• Nearby Words

shitwork
shiv
shiva
shivah
shivanasamudra
shiveluch
shiver

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew 'šibʻāh', literally meaning 'seven', in reference to the seven-day period of formal mourning.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shivah. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shivah
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