shekel

[ˈʃek(ə)l]

shekel Definition

• 1. the basic monetary unit of Israel
• 2. an ancient unit of weight and currency

Using shekel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shekel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The price of the book is 50 shekels.

• Example

  The shekel was first used in the Persian period, around 450 BCE.

• Example

  The shekel was a unit of weight before it became a unit of currency.

Phrases with shekel

• new shekel

  the current currency of Israel, introduced in 1985 to replace the old shekel

  Example

  The new shekel is divided into 100 agorot.

• Tyrian shekel

  an ancient coin from the city of Tyre, made of pure silver and widely used in trade throughout the Mediterranean world

  Example

  The Tyrian shekel was known for its high purity and weight.

• half shekel

  a coin worth half a shekel, used in ancient times as a temple tax

  Example

  Every Jewish male over the age of 20 was required to pay a half shekel as a temple tax.

Origins of shekel

from Hebrew 'šḵl', meaning 'weight'

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Summary: shekel in Brief

The term 'shekel' [ˈʃek(ə)l] refers to the basic monetary unit of Israel, as well as an ancient unit of weight and currency. It is commonly used in Israel and has a long history dating back to the Persian period. The 'new shekel' is the current currency of Israel, while the 'Tyrian shekel' and 'half shekel' are ancient coins with specific historical contexts.