What does yarmulka mean?
A yarmulka is a small, usually brimless cap worn especially by Jewish men and boys as a sign of Jewish identity and reverence. Traditional examples are knitted or felted and may be worn with a tallit during prayer. Some Jewish women also wear the cap, and contemporary styles include fabric versions with decorative patterns. In ordinary English, the term is generally respectful and neutral, while discussions of its religious significance may distinguish observant practice from cultural or everyday use. The word is especially familiar in North American Jewish communities but is also used in Britain and elsewhere. A yarmulka is not simply any small cap: it is closely associated with Jewish religious life, even when worn casually. Learning the word therefore gives access to both a concrete object and the history and cultural meaning of Jewish observance.
nounA small, usually brimless cap worn especially by Jewish men and boys as a sign of religious observance and Jewish identity, traditionally knitted or made of felt and sometimes worn with a prayer shawl. Some Jewish women also wear it.
- A small, usually brimless cap worn especially by Jewish men and boys as a sign of religious observance and Jewish identity.
"He entered the synagogue wearing a dark blue yarmulka and a neatly folded tallit."
"The teacher removed his yarmulka when he sat down at home."
"She embroidered the velvet yarmulka with a subtle geometric design."
The plural yarmulkas is standard; yarmulken is also recorded.
"The shop sells velvet yarmulkas in several colors."
Its name began with a word for a market—a surprising journey for a head covering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of yarmulka
The English word entered through Yiddish yarmelke, ultimately from Polish jarmark, meaning “market” or “fair.” Its use for a head covering developed through associations with Jewish festival markets and observance during the nineteenth century. Polish jarmark has relatives in other Slavic languages, including Russian ярмарка and Ukrainian ярмарок.
How yarmulka is actually used
The term is generally neutral and respectful in English, though discussions may distinguish traditional religious wear from casual or cultural use. “Yarmulke” is an established alternative spelling.
Easily confused with yarmulka
A kippah is a Jewish head covering that may be made from varied materials and designs, whereas a yarmulka most often refers specifically to a small, brimless knitted or felted cap.