kabbalah

noun, often capitalized kab·ba·lah \ kə-ˈbä-lə , ˈka-bə-lə \

variants: or less commonly kabbala or kabala or cabala or cabbala or cabbalah

Definition of kabbalah

1 :a medieval and modern system of Jewish theosophy, mysticism, and thaumaturgy marked by belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture

2 a :a traditional, esoteric, occult, or secret matter

b :esoteric doctrine or mysterious art

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kabbalism

play \ˈkä-bə-ˌli-zəm, ˈka-\ noun

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kabbalistic

play \ˌkä-bə-ˈli-stik, ˌka-\ adjective

Recent Examples of kabbalah from the Web

Incarcerated, not so much for his libidinous ways, but for gambling, cheating tourists, his flagrant libertinism in the face of the Venetian Inquisition, and his heretical interests in alchemy and the kabbalah.

— gaile robinson, star-telegram, "Kimbell’s ‘Casanova’ follows the seducer’s trail through Europe – adult-only art and all," 30 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kabbalah.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.