synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue ˈsi-nə-ˌgäg 

variants or less commonly synagog

1

: a Jewish congregation

2

: the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation

synagogal

ˌsi-nə-ˈgä-gəl 

adjective

Examples of synagogue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apples, honey, challah and more Rosh Hashanah celebrations don’t just take place within the walls of a synagogue. — Chad Murphy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

With the police no longer granting permission to cordon off the street, BJ was moved its celebration indoors, as did most synagogues. — Amy Klein, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments from prosecutors seeking to retry Michael Jackson-Bolanos for home invasion in connection with the murder case of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Many Jewish people spend the day in synagogue services, reciting prayers in atonement. — Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English synagoge, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin synagoga, from Greek synagōgē assembly, synagogue, from synagein to bring together, from syn- + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synagogue

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• tagalog
• travelogue

Kids Definition

synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue

variants also synagog

ˈsin-ə-ˌgäg 

1

: a Jewish congregation

2

: the house of worship of a Jewish congregation

Etymology

Middle English synagoge "a Jewish congregation," from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē "synagogue, assembly," from synagein "to bring together," from syn- "together with" and agein "to lead" — related to synonymous