Meaning & Definition of word "Shekel"

Shekel

/ˈʃɛkəl/

noun:

  • 1. A former silver coin of Israel and a monetary unit of modern Israel.
    • Example: The price of the book was listed as fifty shekels.
  • 2. An ancient unit of weight used in trade, particularly in the context of precious metals.
    • Example: The merchant weighed the gold in shekels before making the sale.
  • 3. A term used to describe money in general, often in a colloquial or informal context.
    • Example: After working all summer, she finally had enough shekels to buy a new bicycle.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'sheqel', meaning 'to weigh'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

more than a shekel:

to require more effort or payment than expected.

a shekel for your thoughts:

asking for someone's opinion.

Related Words

agora:

The smaller unit of currency in Israel's currency system.

currencies:

Types of money in use, generally.

Slang Meanings of shekel

Meaning: Money, especially small amounts.

Example Sentence: I just earned a few shekels from my side gig.

Meaning: A generic term for cash.

Example Sentence: I need to save some shekels for the trip.