What does alef mean?
Alef is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, written א. In pronunciation it usually represents a glottal stop, though it frequently functions as a silent carrier for vowels attached above or below it. Because it opens the alphabet, alef carries cultural and symbolic weight in Jewish tradition: it is associated with beginnings, unity, and, in mystical texts, with the indivisible oneness of God. The English word itself derives ultimately from a West Semitic root meaning 'ox', reflecting the letter's descent from an ancient pictograph of an ox's head. The same root produced Greek alpha and Arabic alif, making these three letters true cousins across writing systems. In English texts the word appears mainly in discussions of Hebrew language, scripture, and Kabbalah, where writers may spell it either 'alef' or the slightly more common 'aleph'. Knowing the term helps readers navigate transliterated Hebrew and appreciate how alphabets share deep historical roots.
nounThe first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (א), representing a glottal stop or serving as a carrier for vowels. It is also used as an alternative spelling of 'aleph' in reference to this letter.
- The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (א), typically representing a glottal stop or functioning as a vowel carrier.
"The scribe began the scroll with a carefully drawn alef."
"Every child learning Hebrew starts by tracing the letter alef."
"In Kabbalistic tradition, the alef is said to symbolize the oneness of God."
The plural 'alefs' (or 'alephs' when using the alternate spelling) refers simply to multiple instances of the letter, as in manuscripts or typography discussions.
"The manuscript was filled with ornately decorated alefs marking each new section."
Alef originally meant 'ox' in ancient Semitic languages — and its shape is thought to derive from a pictograph of an ox's head.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of alef
The word 'alef' entered English through Hebrew אָלֶף (alef), which traces back to a common West Semitic term for 'ox'. The letter's form descends from a Proto-Sinaitic pictograph depicting an ox's head. The same Semitic root gave rise to Greek alpha — and hence the word 'alphabet' — and to Arabic alif, making them cognates across related writing systems.
Usage notes
Both spellings, 'alef' and 'aleph', are accepted in English; 'aleph' is somewhat more common in general usage, while 'alef' often appears in transliterations from modern Hebrew.
Don't confuse with
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, whereas alef is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Alif is the corresponding first letter of the Arabic alphabet, while alef refers specifically to the Hebrew letter.