Rosh Hashanah

noun

Rosh Ha·​sha·​nah ˌräsh-(h)ə-ˈshä-nə How to pronounce Rosh Hashanah (audio)
ˌrōsh-, 
-ˈshō-
: the Jewish New Year observed on the first day and by Orthodox and Conservative Jews also on the second day of Tishri

Examples of Rosh Hashanah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Texas, the day is an optional state holiday, along with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Good Friday. — Megan Menchaca, Houston Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026 Apples, honey, and more sweets are traditional to eat on the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) to symbolize a sweet and happy year ahead. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025 In the Jewish calendar, months begin with the new moon, and Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, happens with the new moon marking a new year. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 June 2026 Antisemitic hate crimes are at an all-time high; friends, acquaintances, and colleagues who used to wish me a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Passover, or Happy Rosh Hashanah have gone silent. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Rosh Hashanah

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew rōsh hashshānāh, literally, beginning of the year

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rosh Hashanah was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

rosha grass
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hodesh
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rosh Hashanah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rosh%20Hashanah. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Rosh Hashanah

noun
Rosh Ha·​sha·​nah ˌrōsh-hə-ˈshō-nə How to pronounce Rosh Hashanah (audio)
ˌrōsh-ə-, 
ˌräsh-, 
-ˈshän-ə
: the Jewish New Year observed as a religious holiday in September or October
Etymology

from Hebrew rōsh hashshānāh, literally, "beginning of the year"

More from Merriam-Webster on Rosh Hashanah

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Rosh Hashanah

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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