Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: “Dreidel”

Episode Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode explores the word “dreidel”—its meaning, cultural significance, and history—timed to coincide with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The host, Peter Sokolowski, explains the toy’s origins, its role in Hanukkah celebrations, the symbolism behind its design, and how the game is played.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Spelling (00:42)

• Dreidel is spelled D-R-E-I-D-E-L.
• Definition: “A four-sided toy marked with Hebrew letters and spun like a top; a game of chance, especially played by children at Hanukkah.”

2. Cultural Context & Syncretism (01:01)

• Quote from Rabbi Stephen Philip highlights how Jewish traditions adapt and borrow from surrounding cultures:
  • [01:12] Rabbi Stephen Philip (quoted):
    “The Jewish tradition has always been syncretic, adapting and responding to the culture around it... Hanukkah is a great example of this, noting that the holidays' traditions like spinning the dreidel, eating latkes or potato pancakes, and munching on jelly-filled doughnuts are customs that were borrowed from neighboring cultures over time.”
• This underscores Hanukkah as an evolving tradition.

3. Symbolism and Historical Background (01:27)

• Spinning the dreidel typically takes place during Hanukkah, described as “the Jewish festival of lights.”
• Hanukkah commemorates “the miracle of a small amount of oil, enough for one day, burning for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem.”

4. Dreidel Design and Meaning (01:45)

• The dreidel has four sides, each inscribed with a Hebrew letter: nun, gimel, hei, shin.
• These letters form the phrase:
  Nes gadol haya sham — “A great miracle happened there.”
  • [01:55] Peter Sokolowski:
    “And though it’s a toy, the dreidel’s design is very much an homage. On each of its four sides inscribed a Hebrew nun, gimel, hei, and shin, which together stand for Nes gadol haya sham—meaning a great miracle happened there.”

5. Game Rules and Letter Significance (02:09)

• None (נ, nun): Player does nothing.
• Gimel (ג): Player takes all (the pot).
• Hei (ה): Player takes half the pot.
• Shin (ש): Player adds to the pot.
• The game is played for currency or “gelt.”

6. Holiday Wishes & Wordplay (02:25)

• The host wraps up with festive wordplay:
  • [02:29] Peter Sokolowski:
    “Wherever you land on holiday traditions, we wish you words of gimel, gratitude, grub, and of course, gaiety with your word of the day.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Adaptation of Traditions

  “The Jewish tradition has always been syncretic, adapting and responding to the culture around it... Hanukkah is a great example of this…”
  — Rabbi Stephen Philip (quoted), [01:12]

• On Symbolism of the Dreidel

  “The dreidel’s design is very much an homage... nun, gimel, hei, and shin, which together stand for Nes gadol haya sham, meaning a great miracle happened there.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [01:55]

• On Festive Wishes

  “We wish you words of gimel, gratitude, grub, and of course, gaiety with your word of the day.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [02:29]

Timestamped Structure

• [00:42] – Definition and spelling
• [01:01] – Cultural adoption and syncretism
• [01:27] – Hanukkah context and symbolism
• [01:45] – Dreidel’s design and meaning explained
• [02:09] – Game rules and letter explanations
• [02:25] – Closing remarks with holiday wishes

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a warm, informative, and accessible tone, blending etymological explanation with cultural storytelling. Festive wordplay and sincere holiday wishes enhance its seasonal relevance and listener engagement.

For further definitions and etymology, listeners are encouraged to visit merriam-webster.com.