Shem

noun

ˈshem How to pronounce Shem (audio)
: the eldest son of Noah held to be the progenitor of the Semitic peoples

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew Shēm

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Shem was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

shelvy
Shem
Shema
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Cite this Entry

“Shem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shem. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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