mitzvah

noun

mitz·​vah ˈmits-və How to pronounce mitzvah (audio)
plural mitzvoth ˈmits-ˌvōt How to pronounce mitzvah (audio)
-ˌvōth, 
-ˌvōs
 or mitzvahs
Synonyms of mitzvah
1
: a commandment of the Jewish law
2
: a meritorious or charitable act

Examples of mitzvah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only thing that hasn’t gone out of style is doing a mitzvah. — Judith Levy, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 Director Paul Weiland, who lived out the exact same bar-mitzvah scenario his protagonist does, nails the specifics of a summer that, for better and for worse, remains ingrained into the national psyche. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Yeah, so the bar mitzvah was on our birthday — which is March 14 — a month ago. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026 Its symbolism is also meant to teach us to support others who could, in turn, perform mitzvahs (good deeds). — Parents Editors, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mitzvah

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew miṣwāh

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mitzvah was in 1723

Phrases Containing mitzvah

Browse Nearby Words

mity
mitzvah
miurus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mitzvah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitzvah. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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