shtetl Definition
a small Jewish town or village in Eastern Europe.
Using shtetl: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shtetl" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
My grandparents grew up in a shtetl in Poland.
Example
The shtetl was destroyed during the Holocaust.
Example
The novel is set in a shtetl in the early 20th century.
shtetl Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for shtetl
- ghetto
- Jewish village
- Jewish town
Phrases with shtetl
Example
The book provides a vivid description of shtetl life in the early 1900s.
a narrow-minded or parochial attitude, often associated with people from small towns or villages
Example
Some people accuse him of having a shtetl mentality because he is not open to new ideas.
the customs, traditions, and way of life of the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe before World War II
Example
The museum has an exhibit on shtetl culture that is very informative.
Origins of shtetl
from Yiddish 'shtetl', meaning 'small town'
Summary: shtetl in Brief
The term 'shtetl' [shtet-l] refers to a small Jewish town or village in Eastern Europe. It is often associated with the way of life, customs, and traditions of the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe before World War II. The phrase 'shtetl life' describes the way of life in these small towns, while 'shtetl mentality' refers to a narrow-minded or parochial attitude.
