maskil

noun

mas·​kil
ˈmäˌskēl
plural maskilim
ˌmä(ˌ)skēˈlēm
often capitalized
: a person versed in Hebrew or Yiddish literature
especially : a follower or adherent of the Haskalah movement
maskilic
məˈskilik
mäˈ-
adjective often capitalized

Word History

Etymology

New Hebrew maśkīl, literally, enlightened, intellectual

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!

Dictionary Entries Near maskil

Cite this Entry

“Maskil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maskil. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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