Definition

A small town or village where Jewish people lived, especially in Eastern Europe, often with a close-knit community.

Example

My grandparents grew up in a shtetl before moving to America.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a shtetl?

Yeah, I think it’s a small Jewish town in Eastern Europe, right?

Exactly! I read about them and they have such rich histories.

I’d love to visit one someday to learn more about their culture.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'shtetl' originates from Yiddish, derived from the German word 'Städtel', meaning a small town or village. It specifically refers to small Jewish towns in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Russia, where Jewish communities lived before the Holocaust.

Memory Tip

Imagine a small Jewish community in a quaint village — that's what 'shtetl' represents, a small town where Jewish life thrived.

Visually Confused Words