klezmer

noun

klez·​mer ˈklez-mər How to pronounce klezmer (audio)
plural klezmorim (ˌ)klez-ˈmȯr-əm How to pronounce klezmer (audio)
1
: a Jewish instrumentalist especially of traditional eastern European music
2
: the music played by klezmorim

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Nu Haven Kapelye klezmer band. Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2022 The clarinet part, played with amazing panache and suavity by FWSO principal Stanislav Chernyshev, had a freewheeling character somewhere between sultry jazz and Eastern European klezmer. Dallas News, 26 Mar. 2022 Lawrence Family Jewish Family Center: ‘LIGHT’ LITVAKdance artistic director Sadie Weinberg and klezmer-music ace Yale Strom create a new kind of winter event. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'klezmer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish, from Hebrew kĕlēy zemer musical instruments

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of klezmer was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near klezmer

Cite this Entry

“Klezmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/klezmer. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

klezmer

noun
klez·​mer ˈklez-mər How to pronounce klezmer (audio)
plural klezmorim klez-ˈmȯr-əm How to pronounce klezmer (audio)
1
: a Jewish instrumentalist especially of traditional eastern European music
2
: the music played by klezmorim
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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