Definition of SHIBBOLETH

shibboleth

Meanings

Plural: shibboleths

Noun

  • a favorite saying of a sect or political group
  • a manner of speaking that is distinctive of a particular group of people
  • A particular pronunciation or custom that is regarded as distinguishing members of a group from non-members, especially when used as a test.
  • A common or longstanding belief, custom, or catchphrase associated with a particular group, especially one with little current meaning or truth.

Origin / Etymology

Learned borrowing from Biblical Hebrew שִׁבֹּלֶת /שיבולת (šibbṓleṯ, “ear [of wheat] or stream, torrent”). Doublet of sebboleth and Middle English sebolech, both from Late Latin sebboleth in the Vulgate.

Synonyms

catchword, motto, slogan

Scrabble Score: 20

shibboleth is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
shibboleth is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
shibboleth is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

shibboleth is a valid Words With Friends word