Definition

A three-cornered pastry filled with sweet ingredients like fruit preserves or poppy seeds, commonly enjoyed during the Jewish festival of Purim.

Example

During Purim, we always bake a batch of hamantaschen to share with friends and family.

Conversation

Have you ever tried a hamantasch?

No, I haven't! What is it exactly?

It's a delicious triangular pastry that's usually filled with fruit or poppy seeds.

That sounds amazing! I need to find some to try.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hamantasch is derived from the Yiddish word 'hamantash' (meaning Haman's pocket), which refers to a pastry traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday of Purim. The term 'Haman' refers to the villain in the Purim story, and 'tash' is related to the word for pocket or pouch in Yiddish.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Haman' as the character in the Purim story and 'tash' as a pocket or pouch, which helps you remember that a 'hamantasch' is a pastry associated with Haman.

Visually Confused Words