shofar
UK[ˈʃəʊfɑː]US[ˈʃoʊfɑːr]
n
a ram's-horn trumpet used in jewish religious ceremonies, especially on rosh hashanah and yom kippur.
Etymology
the word 'shofar' is a direct borrowing from the hebrew word 'שׁוֹפָר' (shofár). its origins are ancient, tracing back to the semitic root š-p-r, which is associated with the concept of 'improvement' or 'sounding good,' though its primary meaning has always been linked to the specific instrument. the shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn, holds profound ritual significance in judaism, used to call the community to prayer and mark solemn occasions. entering english through biblical and religious contexts, the word retains its original hebrew form and highly specific meaning, referring exclusively to this ceremonial object.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from hebrew. it is not segmented into meaningful morphemes within the english spelling system.
Examples
the sound of the shofar echoed through the synagogue at the start of the new year.
he learned the traditional calls blown on the shofar for the high holy days.
the rabbi carefully selected a ram's horn to be crafted into a proper shofar.