Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

baalshem

noun, often capitalized
baal·​shem
variants: or less commonly balshem \ bälˈshām \

Definition of baalshem

: one believed among Jews (such as earlier Polish Jews) to work wonders by the use of the name of God

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of baalshem

1897, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for baalshem

Hebrew baʽal shēm one who possesses or works through the (divine) name

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about baalshem

Dictionary Entries near baalshem

baalite

baalize

baal kore

baalshem

baas

Baathism

baba

Statistics for baalshem

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for baalshem

The first known use of baalshem was in 1897

See more words from the same year

Comments on baalshem

What made you want to look up baalshem? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

apposite

Listen to the pronounciation of apposite

highly pertinent or appropriate

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games