kibbutz

noun

kib·​butz ki-ˈbu̇ts How to pronounce kibbutz (audio) -ˈbüts How to pronounce kibbutz (audio)
plural kibbutzim ki-ˌbu̇t-ˈsēm How to pronounce kibbutz (audio)
-ˌbüt-
: a communal farm or settlement in Israel

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A kibbutz is a communal settlement in Israel in which all wealth is held in common and profits are reinvested in the settlement. The first kibbutz was founded in 1909; currently there are about 270, with a total population exceeding 120,000. Adults live in private quarters, while children are generally housed and cared for as a group. Meals are prepared and eaten communally. Members have regular meetings to discuss business and to take votes on matters requiring decisions. Jobs may be assigned by rotation, by choice, or by skill.

Examples of kibbutz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Asked about the video, Mr. Moawad said that the network had also aired live footage of an Israeli military spokesman saying that Hamas attackers had taken women and children from the kibbutz. Liam Stack, New York Times, 9 May 2024 Before touring the checkpoint, Mr. Blinken visited an Israel kibbutz that was one of the sites attacked by Hamas and its allies on Oct. 7. Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 1 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for kibbutz 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kibbutz.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Modern Hebrew qibbūṣ

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kibbutz was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near kibbutz

Cite this Entry

“Kibbutz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kibbutz. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

kibbutz

noun
kib·​butz kib-ˈu̇ts How to pronounce kibbutz (audio) -ˈüts How to pronounce kibbutz (audio)
plural kibbutzim -ˌu̇t-ˈsēm How to pronounce kibbutz (audio)
-ˌüt-
: a farming settlement in Israel that is owned and shared equally by the people who live there and run it

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