synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue ˈsi-nə-ˌgäg 

variants or less commonly synagog

1

: a Jewish congregation

2

: the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation

synagogal

ˌsi-nə-ˈgä-gəl 

adjective

Examples of synagogue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The front entrance of the synagogue also features the bronze sculpture Hands of Peace by Henry Azaz, which quotes a blessing in the Book of Numbers. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, many rabbis are hoping to expand their synagogues and create new opportunities for Jewish engagement. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 48th, hosted the Thursday night meeting at the synagogue and said the development team still needs to submit a plan to city officials and then secure approvals from the Chicago Plan Commission, the City Council’s zoning committee and then the full City Council. —Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

In Israel, rescue services have confirmed several locations have been hit by Iranian missiles, including Jerusalem and a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, where nine people were killed and 28 wounded, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11. —Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English synagoge, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin synagoga, from Greek synagōgē assembly, synagogue, from synagein to bring together, from syn- + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synagogue

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• tagalog
• travelogue

Kids Definition

synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue

variants also synagog

ˈsin-ə-ˌgäg 

1

: a Jewish congregation

2

: the house of worship of a Jewish congregation

Etymology

Middle English synagoge "a Jewish congregation," from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē "synagogue, assembly," from synagein "to bring together," from syn- "together with" and agein "to lead" — related to synonymous