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Shekel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shekel

[ˈʃɛkəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

currency, Israel

The shekel is the currency of Israel, represented by the symbol ₪. It was originally a weight measure used in the ancient Middle East, and today the term refers specifically to the New Israeli Shekel, which was introduced in 1985.

Synonyms

Israeli currency, NIS.

Examples of usage

  • I exchanged my dollars for shekels at the airport.
  • The price of the book is fifty shekels.
  • She saved enough shekels for her trip to Tel Aviv.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'shekel'

The origin of the word 'shekel' can be traced back to the ancient Sumerian civilization, where it referred to a unit of weight and value for silver. The term is derived from the Akkadian word 'sheqel', which also meant 'to weigh'. Historically, shekels were used as a form of currency in various regions of the ancient Near East, including in Canaan and Babylon. The biblical references to shekels indicate that they were a common medium of exchange in ancient Israel and among surrounding nations. The modern shekel, officially known as the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), was introduced in 1985 to replace the Old Israeli Shekel due to hyperinflation. The New Israeli Shekel is further divided into 100 agorot, and it remains an essential element in Israel's economy today.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,407 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.