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

Examples of klezmer 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.
The double reeds conquered all in their klezmer-like interjection. — Lisa Hirsch, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Sep. 2025 Dance sections lacked charm; lyric passages were spiritless; the klezmer episodes in the third movement were strictly goyish. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 In another corner, musicians in a klezmer music workshop chase a melody. — Cathryn J. Prince, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2025 In good times, klezmer singer and composer Éléonore Weill makes most of her living playing gigs around the city under her name or fronting the two bands Fada and Tsibele. — Daniel Yadin, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for klezmer

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

Browse Nearby Words

K-level
klezmer
klick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Klezmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/klezmer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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