kosher

1 of 3

adjective

ko·​sher ˈkō-shər 

1

a

: sanctioned by Jewish law

especially : ritually fit for use

kosher meat

b

: selling or serving food ritually fit according to Jewish law

a kosher restaurant

2

: being proper, acceptable, or satisfactory

is the deal kosher?

kosher

2 of 3

verb

koshered; koshering ˈkō-sh(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to make kosher

kosher

3 of 3

noun

: the observance of kosher practices

keep kosher

Examples of kosher in a Sentence

Adjective

Something about this deal is just not kosher.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt, and remaining ¼ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt in a small bowl. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

The dip's base combines cream cheese and white beans, blended smooth with either kosher dill or bread-and-butter pickles, depending on the flavor. — Beret Leone, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

John Dickson, president and CEO of Aon Edge, a private flood insurer, said that flood barriers have been kosher for commercial buildings for decades. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Over the past couple of decades, many universities and colleges have supported programs for Jewish students, including kosher dining options, campus Hillels and Jewish Greek life, Jewish studies classes, and rabbis in residence. — Ashley Walters, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Verb, and Noun

Yiddish, from Hebrew kāshēr fit, proper

First Known Use

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing kosher

• glatt kosher
• keep kosher

Rhymes for kosher

• gaucher

Kids Definition

kosher

adjective

ko·​sher

ˈkō-shər

1

a

: accepted by Jewish law

especially : ritually fit for use

kosher meat

b

: selling or serving food ritually fit according to Jewish law

a kosher restaurant

2

: proper sense 4

made sure the deal was kosher