Karaism

noun

Kara·​ism ˈker-ə-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Karaism (audio)
ˈka-rə-
: a Jewish doctrine originating in Baghdad in the eighth century that rejects rabbinism and talmudism and bases its tenets on Scripture alone
Karaite
ˈker-ə-ˌīt How to pronounce Karaism (audio)
ˈka-rə-
noun

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew qĕrāīm Karaites, from Hebrew qārā to read

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Karaism was circa 1883

Dictionary Entries Near Karaism

Cite this Entry

“Karaism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Karaism. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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